A significant majority of cases, ranging from 65% to 95%, experience the development of adhesions after abdominal surgery. Research has shown that adhesive intestinal obstruction may occur in 15% of patients with this condition at a later stage, and it is crucial to mention that surgical intervention is required in nearly one-third of these cases to alleviate the symptoms. Adhesions result in unavoidable and unpredictable peritoneal damage distant from the operative location. To ensure the protection of these scattered sites, the use of a medication that can circulate throughout the abdomen and envelop its surfaces is required. In cases where the peritoneum is damaged, an inflammatory reaction ensues, characterized by the exudation of fibrin-rich plasma and leukocytes, which exhibit pleomorphic properties at the onset.

Fucoidan, obtained from various types of brown algae, is a polysaccharide characterized by its sulfated branched structure and high fucose content. Fucoidan possesses a variety of biologically relevant abilities, including its anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antifibrotic, and adhesiolytic effects. Each of these subsequent processes plays a part in the formation of abdominal adhesions.

In 2011, Springate, Cashman, et al. tested a total of 75 potential anti-adhesion agents, including various Fucoidan formulations, in rat and rabbit models. The primary outcome of their research revealed that Fucoidan exhibited the highest efficacy as an anti-adhesion agent compared to the various candidates assessed. The role of Fucoidan in preventing abdominal adhesions has not been documented or discussed until now.

Hence, I would like to share the study, “Fucoidans inhibit the formation of post-operative abdominal adhesions in a rat model,” by Alex J. Charboneau et al.

First, Female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. This model triggers substantial adhesion and permits objective quantification. Three Fucoidans were evaluated: Sigma Fucoidan Crude (SFC), Fucus vesiculosis 95% (Sigma), and Peridan. The researchers assessed the level of adhesion and also evaluated the systemic coagulation effect of fucoidan. The measurement of INR and aPTT was conducted after the intraperitoneal injection of the fucoidan solution and after 7 days of continuous infusion.

Seven days of continuous infusion of SFC Fucoidan at doses of 4.3 mg/day (n = 3), 8.3 mg/day (n = 5), and 17.2 mg/day (n = 6) statistically significantly reduced the water-induced adhesion score. significantly decreased. Peridan infusion at doses of 5.3 mg/day (n = 5) and 10.6 mg/day (n = 6) also resulted in significantly lower adhesion scores compared to control experiments. (See Figure 1)

Figure 2 shows the adhesion scores one week after a single IP administration of either drug 80 mg (SFC n = 5, Peridan n = 4) and Peridan 40 mg (n = 3) at the time of skin closure. Masu. The adhesion area was significantly reduced following the injection of the SFC.

Following the intraperitoneal administration of peridan, aPTT values surpassed the laboratory’s maximum recorded levels. After 5 hours, aPTT approached normal and after 15 hours, it consistently approached control levels. The maximum impact of SFC on aPTT was not achieved until 15 hours had passed since the injection, and it subsequently decreased rapidly. The consistency of these observations with previous data supports the anticoagulant properties associated with various Fucoidan extracts. Activated PTT was proven to be a more discerning marker of systemic coagulation changes. (See Figure 3)

In contrast, whole body INR and aPTT values measured at sacrifice after 1 week of continuous infusion of similar total doses of two Fucoidans were normal in all cases. In terms of fibrin clot formation, the concentration of Fucoidan at the site of surgical injury is sufficient to inhibit it. However, when Fucoidan was used at a dose that effectively prevented adhesions, there was no evident intraperitoneal bleeding observed at the time of sacrifice, suggesting its lack of adverse impact on bleeding concerns.

The laboratory’s coagulation study results indicate that the presence of fucoidan may lead to a reduction in thrombosis. Furthermore, additional studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of Fucoidan. This specific blend of effects allows for effectively diminishing adhesions while preemptively sidestepping any possible complications that could arise down the line by administering a considerable dosage.

Source: PLoS One. 2018; 13(11): e0207797. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207797