Vasculogenic Cytokines in Wound Healing

Victor W Wong,Jeffrey D Crawford

doi:10.1155/2013/190486

Victor W Wong, Jeffrey D Crawford

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/190486

Copy DOI

Abstract

Chronic wounds represent a growing healthcare burden that particularly afflicts aged, diabetic, vasculopathic, and obese patients. Studies have shown that nonhealing wounds are characterized by dysregulated cytokine networks that impair blood vessel formation. Two distinct forms of neovascularization have been described: vasculogenesis (driven by bone-marrow-derived circulating endothelial progenitor cells) and angiogenesis (local endothelial cell sprouting from existing vasculature). Researchers have traditionally focused on angiogenesis but defects in vasculogenesis are increasingly recognized to impact diseases including wound healing. A more comprehensive understanding of vasculogenic cytokine networks may facilitate the development of novel strategies to treat recalcitrant wounds. Further, the clinical success of endothelial progenitor cell-based therapies will depend not only on the delivery of the cells themselves but also on the appropriate cytokine milieu to promote tissue regeneration. This paper will highlight major cytokines involved in vasculogenesis within the context of cutaneous wound healing.

Highlights

It is estimated that diabetic and cardiovascular complications will account for $9 trillion in US healthcare costs over the thirty years [1]. These complications are often associated with impaired blood vessel growth in response to tissue hypoxia and ischemia
The remainder of this paper refers to postnatal vasculogenesis and focuses on major vasculogenic cytokines in the clinical context of wound healing
Endothelial precursor cells (EPCs) are bone-marrow-derived progenitor cells that participate in vasculogenesis and were

Summary

Introduction

It is estimated that diabetic and cardiovascular complications will account for $9 trillion in US healthcare costs over the thirty years [1]. These complications are often associated with impaired blood vessel growth in response to tissue hypoxia and ischemia. Vasculogenesis plays a critical role in maintaining tissue homeostasis throughout the body [15]. Disruption of these pathways can sustain pathogenic processes (e.g., in skin, heart, kidney, and brain) that are only starting to be appreciated on a molecular level. The remainder of this paper refers to postnatal vasculogenesis and focuses on major vasculogenic cytokines in the clinical context of wound healing

Endothelial Precursor and Other Provasculogenic Cells

Challenges for Translation