Expression profile of proteins involved in scar formation in the healing process of full-thickness excisional wounds in the porcine model

Scar formation in deep dermal wounds is associated with excessive collagen deposition and contraction. Increased collagen synthesis and decreased collagen degradation are the mechanisms through which this form of fibrosis can occur. Another factor might be a different kind of collagen cross-linking seen in fibrotic skin diseases. This type of cross-linking is dependent on the enzyme lysyl hydroxylase-2b. In this study, we examined the expression profile of the potential key players in scar formation in time in healing of acute wounds. Collagen types I and III, lysyl hydroxylase-2b, α-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor βs, and the matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitor mRNA levels were determined. All genes examined show distinct expression patterns over time. The expression of lysyl hydroxylase-2b peaks at day 7, and precedes collagen types I and III expression. Eight weeks after wounding, the scars showed an increased level of lysyl hydroxylase-2b-mediated collagen cross-linking. This study shows that the fibrosis-specific type of cross-linking of collagen seen in human hypertrophic scarring also plays a role in this animal model of wound healing. Moreover, the expression of the putative gene responsible for this type of cross-linking, the lysyl hydroxylase-2b, is elevated during wound healing.