Pirfenidone ointment modulates the burn wound bed in C57BL/6 mice by suppressing inflammatory responses

Study Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic treatment with pirfenidone ointment formulations to ameliorate inflammatory responses that occur after experimental induction of burn wounds in C57BL/6 mice.

Methodology

  • The treatment efficacy of pirfenidone was tested using a mouse model of deep partial-thickness burns.
  • The treatment groups included 1%, 3.5%, and 6.5% w/w pirfenidone as well as vehicle ointment.
  • Mice were first treated immediately after the burn and again 48 h postburn. Skin biopsies were collected at days 3, 12, or 22 after the induction of a deep partial-thickness burn.

Results

Pirfenidone therapy - attenuate the inflammatory response in burn wounds.

Parameter evaluated

Effect of pirfenidone (6.5%)

Expression of Inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-13, G-CSF, MIP-1α)

Significantly reduced (P < 0.05)

Cellular infiltrates in tissue

Qualitatively decreased

Neutrophil activity (expression of myeloperoxidase)

Significantly decreased

Myofibroblast (expression of α-SMA)

Significant reduction (P = 0.005)

Collagen deposition (hydroxyproline levels)

Reduced during wound remodeling

Conclusions

Pirfenidone is a promising prophylactic treatment option for lessening dermal inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model of deep partial-thickness burn wounds.

References:

Torre A, Martínez-Sánchez FD, Narvaez-Chávez SM, Herrera-Islas MA, Aguilar-Salinas CA, Córdova-Gallardo J. Pirfenidone use in fibrotic diseases: What do we know so far? Immun Inflamm Dis. 2024 Jul;12(7):e1335

Medina JL, Sebastian EA, Fourcaudot AB, Dorati R, Leung KP. Pirfenidone Ointment Modulates the Burn Wound Bed in C57BL/6 Mice by Suppressing Inflammatory Responses. Inflammation. 2019 Feb;42(1):45-53