The influence of steroid sex hormones on collagen composition in post-operative wounds after long-term treatment with anticoagulants

Abstract

Abstract Background: Wound healing is a complicated process, mainly dependent on neovascularisation of tissue. New synthesis of collagen filaments is also very important in proper healing of wounds. Widespread use of anticoagulant medication in operative specialties influences the way post operative wounds heal and calls for continuous efforts to find new ways of modifying the findings about this process. Aim: The main aim of the study was to estimate the influence of early treatment of steroid sex hormones on the healing process of wounds in rats after a long-term anticoagulant therapy. Material and methods. The study was conducted on a model of an animal at the Department of High Risk Pregnancy, Medical University of Lodz between 2004-2006. The Wistar rats were used for the study. The influence of heparin and steroid hormones on collagen synthesis in post operative wounds in female rats after bilateral ovariectomy and the intensity of the composition of collagen in prolene mesh in vivo were estimated. Results: The healing process of post operative wounds in the control group was connected with an increased concentration of collagen in the scar region. Progesterone has no influence on heparin action with respect to total collagen concentration, estrogen administration significantly increased the total concentration of collagen in wounds of rats treated with low-molecular-weight heparin. Conclusions: 1. Steroid sex hormones in rats after bilateral ovariectomy treated with low-molecular-weight heparin have major influence on post operative wound healing process. 2. Estradiol supplementation in post operative period improves the effect of heparin on the quality of the wound.