Release and activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 during in vitro mechanical compression in hypertrophic scars.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) during mechanical compression of hypertrophic scars. Mechanical pressure blocks hypertrophy inducted on extracellular matrix in scars by a mechanism that involves MMP-2 (gelatinase A) and MMP-9 (gelatinase B).


METHODS
We assayed conditioned media obtained from normotrophic and hypertrophic scars during 24 hours of in vitro mechanical compression using gelatin zymography.


METHODS
Scars from various areas of the bodies of hospitalized patients.


METHODS
We obtained 3 normotrophic and 7 hypertrophic biopsy specimens from 10 patients (5 men and 5 women).


METHODS
In vitro compression at a pressure of 35 mm Hg/cm(2) for 24 hours.


METHODS
Vitality of scars was analyzed by means of lactic dehydrogenase test; medium samples were collected for zymographic analysis of MMP activity.


RESULTS
We found MMP-2 in basal (uncompressed) samples from normotrophic and hypertrophic scars. Mechanical compression induced MMP-9 release and activation (range, 86.7%-78.7%) in hypertrophic scars after 4 hours.


CONCLUSIONS
Production, release, and activation of MMP-9 in hypertrophic scars could be an effector mechanism responsible for hypertrophy regression induced by mechanical compression.
Renò
Filippo
F
Human Anatomy Laboratory, Medical Sciences Department, University of Eastern Piedmont A. Avogadro, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
Grazianetti
Paola
P
Stella
Maurizio
M
Magliacani
Gilberto
G
Pezzuto
Carla
C
Cannas
Mario
M
D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism*; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D011312:Pressure; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9