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Detection of insulin‐like growth factor‐I and transforming growth factor‐&bgr; in whole gut lavage fluid: a novel method of studying intestinal fibrosis

Background: Insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and/or transforming growth factor‐&bgr; (TGF‐&bgr;), may be involved in gut fibrous strictures. Methods: Concentrations of these two peptides have been measured by enzymelinked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) in whole gut lavage fluid from 57 patients, of whom 14 had strictures of the small intestine or colon associated with Crohn's disease, irradiation injury, ischaemia or diverticulitis. Results: IGF‐I was detected in fluid from 11 of 14 patients with strictures, and 5 of 43 others (P < 0.01). TGF‐&bgr; was detectable in all 57 samples and concentrations were unrelated to the presence or absence of strictures. Conclusion: Clinical studies of growth factors in intestinal fluid should facilitate research on intestinal fibrogenesis, and the diagnosis of fibrous stricturing in Crohn's disease.