RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Tenascin-C (Tn-C) is the most studied member of a family comprising large oligomeric glycoproteins in the extracellular matrix. The function of Tn-C still is unclear, and the levels of Tn-C in human wound fluid have not been studied. METHODS: The participants in this study were 24 patients referred for elective major gastrointestinal surgery. Concentrations of Tn-C and procollagen propeptides type 1 and type 3 in serum and wound fluid were measured after surgery. RESULTS: In wound fluid, Tn-C was present on postoperative day 1, and the concentration increased from day 5 up to day 7. CONCLUSIONS: The concentration of Tn-C increases postoperatively in wound fluid. The concentration of Tn-C in wound fluid is markedly higher than that of serum. The differences in expression between Tn-C and the procollagen propeptides may reflect different tasks of these extracellular matrix proteins.