ROLE OF CYTOKINES IN HEALING CHRONIC SKIN WOUNDS

In the chronic wound, the normal cascade of inflammation, granulation and reconstruction phases of healing is interrupted. Cytokines are now known to orchestrate different biochemical mediators resulting in the restoration of the healing phases. Growth factors may play a signific ant role in stimulating wound repair by stimulating growth and prolife ration. Since growth factors stimulate a variety of functions dependin g on cell type and wound stage and since wound-healing defects may occ ur at any phase of healing, a mixed combination of growth factors woul d be predicted to be more effective than a single factor. Factors that may modulate the action of growth factors include electrical stimulat ion, weight bearing, debriding and ischemia.