Effects of p38 MAPK inhibitors on fibroblast differentiation in the zone of postoperative scar formation

Abstract

Aim. To assess effects of a p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, on fibroblast differentiation in the zone of postoperative scar formation. Materials and methods. The effect of locally injected p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, on fibroblast differentiation (n = 30) was compared with wound healing without an active substance injection (n = 30) on a model of linear musculocutaneous wound in Wistar rats weighing 220-250 g. We measured the amount of collagen in the wound zone, perioperative zone, and intact derma and conducted immunomorphological staining for CD34, CD45, MMP9, and actin at timepoints of 2 hours to 30 days. Results. The p38 inhibitor, SB203580, induced a significant decrease in collagenation intensity in the zone of forming scar. In Wistar rats of the control group, the percent area of collagen fibers in the zone of postoperative wound was in creasing between days 3 and 30 and reached a maximum of 73.54 % [66.87; 78.01] by the end of observation period. The SB203580 injection significantly decreased collagenation over the entire period of observation compared with the control group (43.60 % [41.05; 60.15] by day 30, p = 0.002). The SB203580 injection decreased the engagement of fibroblastic progenitors in the zone of postoperative scar formation and increased the fibroclast activity.