Background and objectivesMatrix Metaloproteinases (MMPs), produced mainly by fibroblasts, play a major role in wound healing processes. This study aimed to investigate the MMP2 activity in dermal fibroblasts found in chronic contact nickel dermatitis lesions. MethodsIn order to study the role of MMP2 in contact nickel dermatitis, fibroblast from patients and healthy individuals were cultured based on ex-plantation of skin. MMP2 activity was measured in fibroblast culture media using zymoanalysis. Zymograms were then analyzed by quantitative densitometry. MTT assay was also used to evaluate and compare proliferation capacity of fibroblasts in both cell cultures.ResultsThe mean MMP2 activity 6-8 days after ex-plantation was significantly higher in patients fibroblasts than in normal individuals( 1709.2 and 134.35.9 in patients and normals, respectively (p<0.05)). The proliferation capacity of patients' fibroblasts was significantly higher than that of normal cases (3859382816 and 2702616527 respectively, p<0.05) in the same days.ConclusionOur study shows a significant increase in degenerative activity of fibroblasts in nickel dermatitis lesions. It was also seen that the MMP2 activity per cell was significantly higher in patients' fibroblasts compared to healthy individuals and that gelatinolytic activity of MMP2 is independent of cell number. Therefore, intra- and inter-cellular signals may be altered in fibroblasts of nickel dermatitis lesions which lead to promotion of fibroblast response to mitogenic and fibrogenic stimulations.Keywords: Nickel dermatitis; Matrix Metaloproteinase 2 (MMP2); Fibroblast; Zymoanalysis.