Comparison of oxidative stress biomarker profiles between acute and chronic wound environments

Increasing evidence implicates excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and ROS-derived degradation products in the pathogenesis of many skin diseases. While numerous attempts have been made to identify prognostic biomarkers of wound healing in skin, these have met with limited success. This study examined the profiles of various oxidative stress biomarkers, namely total protein carbonyl content (from protein oxidation), malondialdehyde content (from lipid peroxidation), and the total antioxidant capacities, in acute wound fluid (n= 10) and chronic wound fluid (n= 12), using a rapid, noninvasive collection technique. Protein carbonyl content was quantified spectrophotometrically and by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis/Western blotting, following 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivitization. Malondialdehyde levels were similarly quantified, following N-methyl-2-phenylindole derivitization. Total antioxidant capacity was determined via wound fluid inhibition of cytochrome C reduction by a superoxide radical flux. Acute wound fluid contained higher protein carbonyl content than chronic wound fluid, particularly evident following sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis/Western blot analysis under nonreducing and reducing conditions (p < 0.001 and p < 0.02, respectively), related to significantly higher protein levels (p = 0.0005) in acute wound fluid. Human serum albumin ( approximately 66 kDa) was identified as the most prominent protein oxidized in both acute and chronic wound fluid, which may contribute to the reduced albumin and total protein levels in chronic wound fluid. No significant difference (p > 0.1) in malondialdehyde levels or total antioxidant capacities were determined between acute and chronic wound fluids, although chronic wound fluid exhibited significantly higher total antioxidant capacities (p < 0.005), accounting for variations in wound fluid protein content. These findings suggest an adaptation in the antioxidant profiles of chronic wound fluid to counteract the loss of consumed antioxidants in the chronic wound environment. This study highlights the roles of ROS/antioxidants in skin wound healing, their possible involvement in chronic wounds and the potential value of ROS-induced biomarkers in wound healing prognosis.