Octreotide may improve pharyngocutaneous fistula healing through downregulation of cystatins: A pilot study.

This pilot study demonstrated octreotide-induced downregulation of cystatins. By downregulation of cystatins in the saliva, there is decreased inhibition of cysteine proteases such as Cathepsin S. This results in increased cysteine protease activity that has been linked to enhanced angiogenic response, cell proliferation and migration that have resulted in improved wound healing. These insights provide first steps at furthering our understanding of octreotide's effects on saliva and reports of improved PCF healing.