Selective inhibition of COX-2 improves cutaneous wound healing of pressure ulcers in mice through reduction of iNOS expression

Abstract

AimsCyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are involved in chronic inflammation observed in chronic lesions. Nonetheless, neither study demonstrated if decreased COX-2 activation could promote the wound healing of pressure ulcers. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of the administration of celecoxib (a selective COX-2 inhibitor) in wound healing of pressure ulcers. Materials and methodsMale mice were treated daily with celecoxib until euthanasia. One day after the beginning of treatment, two cycles of ischemia–reperfusion by external application of two magnetic plates were performed in skin to induce pressure ulcer formation. Key findingsCelecoxib administration reduced the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), COX-2 and PGE2. The hydroperoxide levels, neutrophil and macrophage number, and protein elastase and matrix metalloproteinase-1 levels were reduced in celecoxib-treated group when compared to control group. Celecoxib administration increased myofibroblastic differentiation, re-epithelialization and wound contraction, and decreased the skin necrosis and angiogenesis. Celecoxib administration also stimulated the formation of a more organized and mature scar increasing collagen deposition and reducing tenascin-C expression. SignificanceCelecoxib administration improves the wound healing of pressure ulcers through decreased expression of iNOS and COX-2, which reduces wound inflammation and promotes dermal reconstruction and scar formation.