Molecular Genetic and Cytological Features of Healing in Esophageal Alkaline Burns and When Melanin is Administered

Expression of the Col2a1 gene involved in collagen synthesis in the blood and esophageal mucus was shown to be reduced in alkaline esophageal burns of the second degree (AEB 2). When melanin was administered, Col2a1 gene expression levels in the blood and esophageal tissues were increased as compared to those in AEB 2. During the histological study, the intensity of deposition of collagen fibers was determined, the esophageal stenosis index was measured, and the effect of melanin on the healing processes was identified: less pronounced formation of collagen fibers in damaged esophagus tissues. It was found that the serum and esophageal mucosa had higher levels of proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and lower levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. At the administration of melanin, we observed normalization of the content of cytokines in comparison with the indicators for AEB 2, which indicates the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties of this substance and suggests the prospect of using melanin as a substance that contributes to the healing of chemically induced esophageal burns without the formation of pathological scars.