Effects of blocking α_vβ₃ integrin by a recombinant RGD disintegrin on remodeling of wound healing after induction of incisional hernia in rats¹

PURPOSE:

To investigate the changes induced by DisBa-01 on repair of wound healing after induced incisional hernia (IH) in rats.

METHODS:

Thirty two male albino rats were submitted to IH and divided into four experimental groups: G1, placebo control; G2, DisBa-01-treated; G3, anti-α_vβ₃ antibodies-treated and G4, anti-α₂ antibodies-treated. Histological, biochemical and extracellular matrix remodeling analysis of abdominal wall were evaluated.

RESULTS:

After 14 days, 100% of the G2 did not present hernia, and the hernia ring was closed by a thin membrane. In contrast, all groups maintained incisional hernia. DisBa-01 also increased the number macrophages and fibroblasts and induced the formation of new vessels. Additionally, MMP-2 was strongly activated only in G2 (p<0.05). Anti- α_vβ₃-integrin antibodies produced similar results than DisBa-01 but not anti-α₂ integrin blocking antibodies.

CONCLUSION:

DisBa-01 has an important role in the control of wound healing and the blocking of this integrin may be an interesting therapeutically strategy in incisional hernia.

Hernia, Ventral; Disintegrins; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Integrin alphaVbeta3; Wound Healing; Rats