Modification of Cysteinyl Leukotriene Receptors Expression in Capsular Contracture

Abstract

Periprosthetic capsular contracture represents a specific iatrogenic phenomenon with different side effects. Recently, interesting data have disclosed a potential role of leukotrienes as important mediators of inflammation in the reactivation process of capsular contracture. Some preliminary studies have assessed the efficacy of leukotriene antagonists in the prevention and treatment of capsular contracture. These clinical data are still lacking of a potential biomolecular basis. The aim of our present study was to evaluate the expression of the protein receptor cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CysLTR). We included 50 patients with severe capsular contracture (Baker III-IV) and a control group consisting of healthy patients who underwent an implant replacement. In both groups, we performed the protein extraction and semiquantitative analysis for the determination of protein concentration on myofibroblasts and macrophages. Western Blot analysis of protein levels shows a significant increase in the expression of CysLTR in patients with capsular contracture. Our final results show that the increase in the levels of mRNA coding for CysLTR actually translates into an effective increase in protein levels of these mRNA transcripts. These findings could at least partially provide a biomolecular basis that justifies the use of specific antileukotriene drugs in the treatment of this disease.