| 119 |
Lab Research
|
Comparative study of the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitory activity of a silver ion containing gel* First Author: Debashish Chakravarthy Authors: Debashish Chakravarthy, Ph.D, FAPWCA, Medline Industries, Inc., Margaret Falconio-West, RN, CWOCN. Introduction: Overexpression of matrix metalloproteases (MMP's) is implicated in chronic wounds (1). Inhibition of MMP's can lead to promotion of wound healing (2). Two gel dressings, one with silver*, one without**, were tested for MMP inhibition. Method: Studies involved fluorescein-conjugated gelatin digestion assay and zymogram techniques. Human MMP-9 was used for the zymograms and bacterial collagenase for the fluoroscein assays. Results: Metalloproteinase exposure to the silver dressing decreased MMP activity (up to 85% inhibition), while the incubation with the non silver gel had no effect. The contrast was visible at every reaction time tested (5min to 240min). Zymograms showed complete elimination of the MMP-9 band with the silver gel. The band was completely retained (no MMP binding) for the non-silver gel. Silver gel was a strong binder of human MMP-9, a key inflammatory agent in chronic wounds. Conclusion MMP inhibitory properties of wound dressings can have significant clinical implications (3). The downregulation of MMP activity in chronic wounds can jump start a stalled healing process (2). Gel dressings containing silver may provide an environment that suppresses harmful MMP activity compared to gel dressings without silver, thus promoting healing. * SilvaSorb ¨ Gel, Medline Industries ** SoloSite ¨ Gel, Smith and Nephew |
|