The Effect of MMP-1 on Wound Healing and Scar Formation

Abstract

Background: In this study, we investigated the effect of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) on wound healing on skin in a model produced in rats.

Methods: Sixteen Sprague-Dawley male rats were included in the study. The four full-thickness skin wound was created on the dorsal area of each rat with 4.4 mm punch. The rats were randomly divided into two groups. MMP-1 and saline were administered intraperitoneally once daily for 7 days. The biopsies were taken from the separate wounds on the 4th, 7th, 14th and 21st days of the experiment. The lymphocytic response, vascular proliferation, fibroblast proliferation, epithelial hyperplasia, foreign body reaction, ulcer formation, acute inflammation, keloid scar formation and hypertrophic scar formation were compared in each group in histopathologically.

Results: In our study, epithelial hyperplasia on 14th day was significantly higher in the MMP-1 group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The lymphocytic response on 4th and 21th days, the vascular proliferation on 4th day, the fibroblast proliferation on 4th and 7th days, the acute inflammation on 4th day and the hypertrophic scar formation on 7th, 14th, 21st days were significantly lower in the MMP-1 group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in comparison with other parameters (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: MMP-1 improves the wound-healing process of skin with higher epithelial hyperplasia and reduces scar formation in the animal model. Therefore, MMP-1 can potentially be used as an effective anti-fibrogenic agent for preventing or treating the hypertrophic scar.

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Keywords: Animals; Cicatrix/prevention and control; Matrix metalloproteinase-1; Rats; Sprague–Dawley; Wound healing.