Inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase expression induced by collagen-coated and uncoated polypropylene meshes in a rat model

Objective The objective of the study was to compare the influence of collagen-coated vs uncoated polypropylene meshes on the expression of genes critical for wound healing. Study Design In 54 rats, abdominal wall defects were created, repaired by polypropylene sutures, and covered by an overlay of coated polypropylene (n = 20), uncoated polypropylene (n = 18), or no mesh (n = 16). Explants were harvested 7 or 90 days after repair and divided for histological, immunohistochemical, and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) analyses. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction arrays were used to profile the expression of 84 genes at the tissue-mesh interface. Results One week after implantation, coated mesh elicited a slightly greater inflammatory response and increased mRNA expression of 4 proinflammatory cytokines compared with uncoated mesh. Both materials, however, induced a comparable expression of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases relative to suture repair 90 days after implantation. Conclusion Collagen-coated polypropylene mesh induces elevated inflammatory cytokine expression compared with uncoated mesh early in the healing process, but the response to both meshes is similar 90 days after implantation.