Understanding how surgery leads to harmful tissue growth in the abdomen

MECHANISMS DRIVING THE FORMATION OF POST-OPERATIVE PERITONEAL ADHESIONS

NIH-funded research University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11093932

This study is looking into how certain cells in your body contribute to the formation of scar tissue after abdominal surgery, which can cause problems like bowel blockages, and it hopes to find new ways to prevent or treat these adhesions to help you heal better after surgery.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11093932 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the biological mechanisms behind the formation of peritoneal adhesions, which are fibrous tissues that develop after abdominal surgery and can lead to serious complications like bowel obstructions. The study focuses on specific cells involved in this process, particularly myofibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells, and how they interact with growth factors to influence tissue healing and adhesion formation. By exploring these cellular pathways, the research aims to identify potential new therapies to prevent or reverse adhesions, improving patient outcomes after surgery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone or are scheduled for intra-abdominal surgery and are at risk of developing peritoneal adhesions.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had abdominal surgery or those with existing severe complications from adhesions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent the formation of peritoneal adhesions, reducing the risk of complications for patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the mechanisms of adhesion formation, but this specific approach focusing on PDGF signaling and its effects on myofibroblasts and VSMCs is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Oklahoma City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.