Topical Modulation of the Burn Wound Inflammatory Response to Improve Short and Long Term Outcomes

Abstract : We propose to investigate the relationship between p38MAPK signaling, wound inflammatory response, wound healing and long-term scar formation using a burn model in the female red Duroc pig. We hypothesize that topical p38MAPK inhibition will attenuate the depth of the burn by preventing hair-follicle cell apoptosis, attenuate the inflammatory phase of wound healing, and decrease the granulation layer thickness. We propose this modification in the early inflammatory response will also reduce thickness and contraction of scars formed after deep partial thickness burn injury. The knowledge gained from our proposed research will be critical to implement a potential paradigm shift in the clinical treatment of challenging dermal injuries.