Inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase expression induced by collagen-coated and uncoated polypropylene meshes in a rat model

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the influence of collagen-coated vs uncoated polypropylene meshes on the expression of genes critical for wound healing.

Study design: In 54 rats, abdominal wall defects were created, repaired by polypropylene sutures, and covered by an overlay of coated polypropylene (n = 20), uncoated polypropylene (n = 18), or no mesh (n = 16). Explants were harvested 7 or 90 days after repair and divided for histological, immunohistochemical, and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) analyses. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction arrays were used to profile the expression of 84 genes at the tissue-mesh interface.

Results: One week after implantation, coated mesh elicited a slightly greater inflammatory response and increased mRNA expression of 4 proinflammatory cytokines compared with uncoated mesh. Both materials, however, induced a comparable expression of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases relative to suture repair 90 days after implantation.

Conclusion: Collagen-coated polypropylene mesh induces elevated inflammatory cytokine expression compared with uncoated mesh early in the healing process, but the response to both meshes is similar 90 days after implantation.