MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE-9 LEVEL PREDICTS OPTIMAL COLLAGEN DEPOSITIONDURING EARLY WOUND REPAIR IN HUMANS

Background This study examined two matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) an d their association with deposition of collagen during wound repair. M ethods In 15 hernia wounds, wound fluid was collected using two Cellst ick devices, which were implanted adjacent to two expanded polytetrafl uoroethylene (ePTFE) tubes. MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were analysed 24 an d 48 h after operation using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assa ys, and collagen deposition in the ePTFE tubes was measured 10 days af ter operation as hydroxyproline. Results The levels of both MMPs in wo und fluid were increased compared with those of control serum, althoug h MMP-9 decreased (P < 0.01) in the wounds 24-48 h after operation. Th e MMP-9 level at 24 h correlated inversely and specifically to deposit ed collagen measured as hydroxyproline (r(s) = -0.80, P < 0.01). Concl usion These results indicate that the level of MMP-9 in the early infl ammatory phase can predict the amount of collagen deposited later in t he wound healing process.