The Effect of Rituximab on Encapsulated Peritoneal Sclerosis in an Experimental Rat Model.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Peritoneal sclerosis may be observed in varied manifestations; however, the most serious form is the encapsulated peritoneal sclerosis. We researched the effect of rituximab on peritoneal fibrosis in an experimental rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 equal groups. During weeks 0-3; Group I received isotonic saline (IS) solution, group II, Group III and Group IV received Chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) via intraperitoneal (i.p.) route. In the next 3 weeks nothing adminestred to both Group I and Group II but IS solution was adminestred to Group III via i.p. route and 375 mg/m2/week rituximab was applied intravenously on days 21, 28 and 35 to Group IV. Fibrosis, peritoneal thickness and inflammation were evaluated. Immunohistochemical methods used for the detection of matrix MMP-2, TGF-ss1, and VGEF expressions. RESULTS: The rituximab group had significantly lower fibrosis and peritoneal thickness scores than the group II and III (p < 0.001). TGF-ss1 and VEGF expressions were significantly lower in the rituximab group than in the group II and III (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found that rituximab had a significant effect on the peritoneal thickness, total fibrosis, TGF-ss1 and VGEF scores which were induced by CG.