DMSOTT-5859-p38 MAPK inhibition reduces diabetes-induced impair

correspondence: Linda S Higgins InteKrin Therapeutics, Inc, 4300 el camino real, Suite 201, Los Altos, cA 94022, USA Tel +1 650 941 5501 Fax +1 866 286 2242 email [email protected] Abstract: In healthy tissue, a wound initiates an inflammatory response characterized by the presence of a hematoma, infiltration of inflammatory cells into the wound and, eventually, wound healing. In pathological conditions like diabetes mellitus, wound healing is impaired by the presence of chronic nonresolving inflammation. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, primarily by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines and regulating cellular traffic into wounds. The db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes was used to characterize the time course of expression of activated p38 during impaired wound healing. The p38α-selective inhibitor, SCIO-469, was applied topically and effects on p38 activation and on wound healing were evaluated. A topical dressing used clinically, Promogran, was used as a comparator. In this study, we established that p38 is phosphorylated on Days 1 to 7 post-wounding in db/db mice. Further, we demonstrated that SCIO-469, at a dose of 10 μg/wound, had a positive effect on wound contraction, granulation tissue formation, and re-epithelialization, and also increased wound maturity during healing. These effects were similar to or greater than those observed with Promogran. These results suggest a novel approach to prophylactic and therapeutic management of chronic wounds associated with diabetes or other conditions in which healing is impaired.