Abstract
This chapter discusses the exogenous growth factors in dermal wound healing. The effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on both mesenchymal and epidermal repair has been studied in partial and full thickness dermal wounds with inconsistent results. EGF has produced equivocal results on the healing of dermal burn wounds. The therapeutic potential of EGF in the treatment of stromal wounds has been addressed in several preclinical and clinical studies. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is present in a variety of tissues and receptors for the molecule are present on many cell types; however, FGF is only secreted when cells are damaged. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a multifunctional growth factor with the ability to regulate the migration, growth, and differentiation of many of the cell types involved in tissue repair. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) could play a direct role in wound repair by recruiting and stimulating the proliferation of fibroblasts and by attracting leukocytes that may secondarily influence repair through the elaboration of their own regulatory molecules. A number of other peptides, with the properties of growth factors, have received limited evaluation for their effects on wound healing. A number of molecules that function as inflammatory mediators have wound healing activity. Each of the growth factors demonstrates in vivo actions consistent with a role in wound healing. All the factors have activity in subcutaneous models and most are active in selected wound models. In many cases, treatment merely accelerates repair, but in some cases it may produce a persisting advantage. In many cases, a single treatment is as effective as multiple applications. But, in other cases, multiple treatment or even slow release devices may enhance the effect.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call