ABSTRACT:
Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an extracellular enzyme responsible for stabilizing the extracellular matrix by forming covalent cross-links in collagen fibers. Increased LOX activity can lead to excessive fibril accumulation, resulting in tissue stiffness and fibrosis. Tracheostomy remains a life-saving procedure, however wound healing in tracheostomy has proven to be a challenge. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a multiple time series group approach to evaluate LOX role in tracheostomy wound. A murine tracheostomy model was established, and samples were collected on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th days. The samples were then stained using LOX immunohistochemistry and analysed. On the final follow-up day (H-7), the last biopsy showed the wound healing process in the granulation maturation stage, characterized by abundant fibroblast tissue and macrophage-dominated inflammatory cells. LOX expression was higher in the newly formed epithelium, fibroblasts, and macrophages, with a significant positive correlation between time and LOX expression. LOX expression progressively increases throughout the wound healing process, with a significant rise observed by the seventh day. These findings highlight LOX as a key regulator in wound healing, particularly in trachea, especially with stoma.