Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the aspects of wound healing after cleft lip surgery within one week of age and wound healing after surgery within 2-4 months of age. We examined extracellular matrix proteins involved in wound healing, especially concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases in tissue removed during surgery.
Material and methods: 30 tissue samples (16 boys and 14 girls) were removed during surgery within one week of age 17 or within 2-4 months of age 13. Proteins were extracted in cacodylic buffer for 24 hours in temperature 2-8 oC.
Total protein concentrations were examined using modification of Lowry method. Samples were examined using ELISA kit Amersham Biotrak Activity Assay (GE Healthcare UK) for detection of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3 concentrations.
Results: MMP-1: early surgery 0.017 +- 0.023 μg/g of protein (mean +- SD), 2-4 months surgery 0.028 +- 0.026 μg/g. MMP-3: early surgery 0.200 +- 0.142 μg/g, 2-4 months surgery 0.155 +- 0.093 μg/g.
Concentrations of MMP-2 were after dilution above working range at 12 μg/l in all tested samples. Conclusion: No significant differences in concentrations of protein and MMPs, MMP-1 and MMP-3 according to time of surgery were found.