Effects of recombinant human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (rh-TIMP-2) on migration of epidermal keratinocytes in vitro and wound healing in vivo

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP), common inhibitors of matrix proteinases, have cell-promoting activity. We studied the effects of recombinant human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (rh-TIMP-2) on the migration of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). An in vitro migration assay revealed that rh-TIMP-2 enhanced random migration (up to 170%, p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. When we applied rh-TIMP-2 solution (20 mug/20 mul/wound) daily to full-thickness wounds made with an 8-mm punch on the backs of healthy (n = 8), aged (n = 9), and diabetic (n = 15) rodents, we observed faster wound closure (p < 0.05) than in vehicle-treated controls. Accelerated wound closure was dose-dependent (0-20 mug/wound) in diabetic mice (n = 6), and the optimal concentration was 10-20 mug of rh-TIMP-2/wound. Histological examinations performed on days 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 in diabetic mice revealed faster migration of epidermal keratinocytes from wound edges. These results suggest that rh-TIMP-2 plays an important role in wound healing.