Analysis of c-myc, PAI-1 and uPAR in patients with incisional hernias.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Disturbed wound healing leading to alterations in collagen composition has been thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of incisional hernia formation. The aim of the present study was to further characterise the scarring process in such patients.

METHODS:

Mature skin scars from patients with either primary or recurrent incisional hernias were compared to mature abdominal skin scars from patients without hernias. The distribution of collagen types I and III was analysed using crosspolarisation microscopy. Expression of c-myc--a parameter for cell differentiation and proliferation--and of PAI-1 and uPAR--parameters of the proteolytic cascade in wound healing--were determined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS:

In agreement with previous studies, decreased collagen I/III ratios were found in patients with incisional hernias. In these patients, c-myc levels were significantly elevated whereas plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and urokinase-plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) levels were only slightly increased. In contrast to controls, a significant correlation between c-myc, PAI-1 and uPAR expression and collagen I/III ratios was found in patients with incisional hernias.

CONCLUSION:

The differential correlation of collagen types and expression of c-myc, PAI-1 and uPAR within the scar tissue might represent a causal factor in incisional hernia formation.

• Authors: R Rosch, M Binnebösel, K Junge, P Lynen-Jansen, P R Mertens, U Klinge, V Schumpelick
• Journal: Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery (Hernia) Vol. 12 Issue 3 Pg. 285-8 (Jun 2008) ISSN: 1265-4906 [Print] France
• PMID: 18058188 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• MRC2 protein, human
• Mannose-Binding Lectins
• Membrane Glycoproteins
• Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
• Receptors, Cell Surface
• Collagen

Topics

• Collagen (metabolism)
• Female
• Hernia, Abdominal (metabolism)
• Humans
• Immunoenzyme Techniques
• Male
• Mannose-Binding Lectins (metabolism)
• Membrane Glycoproteins (metabolism)
• Middle Aged
• Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (metabolism)
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc (metabolism)
• Receptors, Cell Surface (metabolism)
• Statistics, Nonparametric
• Wound Healing (physiology)