Concentrations of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in lip tissue and their impact on cleft lip surgery healing

Abstract

Aim. To compare aspects of wound healing after cleft lip surgery performed within one week of age and wound healing after surgery performed within 2 - 4 months of age, especially concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in tissue removed during surgery. Methods. 34 tissue samples (26 boys and 8 girls) were removed during surgery within one week of age (n=19) or within 2 - 4 months of age (n=15). Tissue samples were separated °C. Total protein concentrations were examined using a modification of the Lowry method. Samples were examined using ELISA kit Amersham Biotrak Activity Assay (GE Healthcare UK) for detection of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 concentrations. Results. MMP-9: early surgery - epidermis 2.168±3.303 μg/g of protein (mean±SD), dermis 1.251±1.848 μg/g, 2 - 4 months surgery - epidermis 0.347±0.212 μg/g, dermis 0.555±0.276 μg/g. TIMP-1: early surgery - epidermis 1.762±2.162 μg/g, dermis 1.628±0.822 μg/g, mucous membrane 2.066±1.717 μg/g, 2 - 4 months surgery - epidermis 1.881±2.810 μg/g, dermis 3.117±1.540 μg/g, mucous membrane 4.833±6.550 μg/g. Conclusions. There were no significant differences in concentrations of protein MMP-9 in epidermis and dermis and TIMP-1 in epidermis and mucous membrane according to time of surgery. Significantly decreased levels of TIMP-1 in dermis were found in samples obtained from early surgery compared to levels in samples obtained from 2 - 4 months surgery.