Characteristic expression of connective tissue components and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) during the development of pressure ulcerations

Chronic ulcerations are caused by pressure, ischemia or attrition and is a serious problem for long term care. However, little is known about biomolecular markers expressed during the development of pressure ulcerations. In the present study, we examined whether various extracellular matrix components correlate with the development of pressure ulcerations. Examination of wound areas and immunohistological staining showed that pressure ulceration develop following excision of the sciatic nerve from the hindlimbs of mice. Our data reveal that the expression of mRNAs encoding type I collagen (collagen α1 (I)), type IV collagen (collagen α1 (IV)), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -3 and -9 correlate with the wound area. But laminin- 5 (laminin-5 α3) does not correlate with the wound area. These results suggest that the expression of those mRNAs provides specific biomolecular markers for pressure ulcerations. The present study will be useful for developing effective therapeutic agents or prophylactic agents against pressure ulcerations.