Martin P, Nunan R, et al.
The British journal of dermatology. Date of publication 2015 Aug 1;volume 173(2):370-8.
1. Br J Dermatol. 2015 Aug;173(2):370-8. doi: 10.1111/bjd.13954. Epub 2015 Jul 14.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of repair in acute and chronic wound healing.
Martin P(1)(2), Nunan R(2).
Author information:
(1)Schools of Biochemistry and Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Bristol,
Bristol, U.K.
(2)School of Medicine, University of Cardiff, Cardiff, U.K.
A considerable understanding of the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms
underpinning healthy acute wound healing has been gleaned from studying various
animal models, and we are now unravelling the mechanisms that lead to chronic
wounds and pathological healing including fibrosis. A small cut will normally
heal in days through tight orchestration of cell migration and appropriate levels
of inflammation, innervation and angiogenesis. Major surgeries may take several
weeks to heal and leave behind a noticeable scar. At the extreme end, chronic
wounds - defined as a barrier defect that has not healed in 3 months - have
become a major therapeutic challenge throughout the Western world and will only
increase as our populations advance in age, and with the increasing incidence of
diabetes, obesity and vascular disorders. Here we describe the clinical problems
and how, through better dialogue between basic researchers and clinicians, we may
extend our current knowledge to enable the development of novel potential
therapeutic treatments.
© 2015 British Association of Dermatologists.
DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13954
PMCID: PMC4671308
PMID: 26175283 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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