Evaluation of osteopontin expression in chronic wounds: a potential prognostic and therapeutic biomarker

Objective: Osteopontin (OPN) is abundantly expressed during tissue repair, acting as a powerful chemokine that recruits inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, and Langerhans cells. The role of OPN in chronic wounds has not been explored. In this study, we assess the expression levels of OPN in chronic wounds to assess its potential contribution to the exacerbated inflammation seen in chronic ulcers, which is thought to contribute to poor healing. Methods: This retrospective study included archived biopsies of chronic wounds from several aetiologies. Immunohistochemical staining and blind analysis of OPN expression were carried out. Results: We assessed biopsies from venous leg ulcers (n=5), diabetic foot ulcers (n=5), pyoderma gangrenosum (n=5), squamous cell carcinoma ulcers (n=4), and calciphylaxis ulcers (n=3). The data revealed that all these sets of chronic ulcers expressed high levels of OPN. Conclusion: This study provides strong histopathologic evidence that OPN expression is signifi...