Laser Therapy Changes the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Bleomycin-Induced Skin Fibrosis
Anna G Soboleva1,2, Vladimir V Sobolev1, Mari M Karapetyan3
1Center for Theoretical Problems in Physico-Chemical Pharmacology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 30 Srednaya Kalitnikovskaya Street, 109029 Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are often considered biomarkers of skin fibrosis. At the early stages of the pathological process, an elevation of their enzymatic activity causes significant changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix. MMPs secreted by immune cells facilitate their migration to the site of damage. Then, the immune cells eliminate the affected cells and biomolecules. Moreover, bidirectional changes in the activity of proteolytic enzymes, including MMPs, accompany wound healing. This study aimed to assess changes in the expression of Mmp2, Mmp3, and Mmp9 after treating mice with laser therapy using the experimental model of bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis. Using immunohistochemistry, we characterized the histological features of scarred skin. We also analyzed changes in the expression of MMPs using real-time polymerase chain reaction before and after laser irradiation. We showed that treatment of the mice with a CO2 laser partially normalized the histological features of scarred skin. We also noticed a decrease in the expression of Mmp2, Mmp3 (both p < 0.05), and Mmp9 (p = 0.065) during scar healing. The obtained results suggest that normalization of skin homeostasis requires control of MMP activity via induction of genes.
Insights
Laser therapy reduced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in fibrotic skin. This suggests controlling MMP activity is key for normalizing skin homeostasis during scar healing.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key regulators of extracellular matrix remodeling and are implicated in skin fibrosis.
- Elevated MMP activity at early fibrosis stages alters matrix composition and aids immune cell migration to damaged sites.
- MMP activity is dynamically regulated during wound healing and scar formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of laser therapy on MMP expression in a bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis model.
- To assess changes in Mmp2, Mmp3, and Mmp9 gene expression following CO2 laser treatment.
- To evaluate the impact of laser therapy on the histological features of scarred skin.
Main Methods:
- Induction of skin fibrosis in mice using bleomycin.
- Treatment of fibrotic skin with CO2 laser therapy.
- Immunohistochemistry to analyze skin histology.
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to quantify Mmp2, Mmp3, and Mmp9 gene expression.
Main Results:
- CO2 laser treatment partially normalized the histological characteristics of scarred skin.
- A significant decrease in Mmp2 and Mmp3 expression was observed post-laser treatment (p < 0.05).
- A trend towards decreased Mmp9 expression was noted (p = 0.065).
Conclusions:
- Laser therapy demonstrates a potential to modulate MMP activity during scar healing.
- Controlling MMP activity through gene induction may be crucial for restoring skin homeostasis.
- These findings highlight MMPs as therapeutic targets for managing skin fibrosis.
