Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and objective
Matrix Metaloproteinases (MMPs), produced mainly by fibroblasts, play a major role in
wound healing processes. This study aimed to investigate the MMP2 activity in dermal
fibroblasts found in chronic contact nickel dermatitis lesions.
Methods
In order to study the role of MMP2 in contact nickel dermatitis, fibroblast from patients and
healthy individuals were cultured based on ex-plantation of skin. MMP2 activity was
measured in fibroblast culture media using zymoanalysis. Zymograms were then analyzed by
quantitative densitometry. MTT assay was also used to evaluate and compare proliferation
capacity of fibroblasts in both cell cultures.
Results
The mean MMP2 activity 6-8 days after ex-plantation was significantly higher in patients
fibroblasts than in normal individuals( 170±9.2 and 134.3±5.9 in patients and normals,
respectively (p<0.05)). The proliferation capacity of patients' fibroblasts was significantly
higher than that of normal cases (385938±2816 and 270261±6527 respectively, p<0.05) in the
same days.
Conclusion
Our study shows a significant increase in degenerative activity of fibroblasts in nickel
dermatitis lesions. It was also seen that the MMP2 activity per cell was significantly higher in
patients' fibroblasts compared to healthy individuals and that gelatinolytic activity of MMP2
is independent of cell number. Therefore, intra- and inter-cellular signals may be altered in
fibroblasts of nickel dermatitis lesions which lead to promotion of fibroblast response to
mitogenic and fibrogenic stimulations.