Investigation of the protective effect of adalimumab on stricture and inflammation in an experimental corrosive esophageal burn model in rats

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor adalimumab on inflammation and subsequent stricture development in a corrosive esophageal burn model in rats, based on its antifibrotic effect in Crohn’s disease. Methods: Forty-eight female Wistar Albino rats were randomized into four groups (n = 12): control, local intraluminal adalimumab (5 mg/kg), systemic subcutaneous adalimumab (5 mg/kg), and combined local plus systemic adalimumab. A corrosive esophageal burn was created in all animals. After 10 days, the distal esophageal segment was excised and evaluated by stenosis index (SI), histopathologic damage score (HDS), and tissue hydroxyproline level. Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests. Results: Compared with the control group, the systemic and combined groups showed a significant reduction in SI and hydroxyproline level (p < 0.05). The combined group also reduced HDS. Local adalimumab showed no difference from the control. Conclusions: Systemic adalimumab reduced inflammation and stenosis in corrosive esophageal burns, whereas local administration had no significant effect. Further clinical studies are needed before adalimumab can be considered for these injuries.