LAUSR

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 significantly increased in chronic wounds, suggesting that its upregulation could contribute to the exacerbated inflammation. Furthermore, further characterisation of the role of OPN in wound healing could aid the development of specific and efficient anti-OPN therapies for the treatment of chronic wounds.