Work

Fetal Wound Repair: Where Do We Go From Here?

Year: 1999

Type: article

Abstract: In contrast to adult wound healing, early-gestation fetal skin wound healing occurs rapidly, in a regenerative fashion, and without scar formation. The accelerated rate of healing, relative lack of an acute inflammatory response, and an absence of neovascularization distinguishes fetal from adult wound healing. However, this remarkable ability of the fetus to heal without scarring still remains poorly understood. The uncertainties include the role of cytokines, extracellular matrix components, homeobox genes, and certain cell types in the scarless wound repair process. Nevertheless, some strides have been made within the last two decades. This report, discusses the current knowledge of the mechanisms and characteristics of scarless fetal wound healing. Furthermore, to shy away from being just another all inclusive review, the authors point out deficiencies in the knowledge base on this important topic. Last, the future direction of research is discussed that may elucidate the mechanisms regulating the scarless repair phenomena.

Source: Seminars in Pediatric Surgery

DOI: 10.1016/s1055-8586(99)70013-2

Authors: Eric J. Stelnicki, Gyu S. Chin, George K. Gittes, Michael T. Longaker

Institutions: NYU Langone Health, New York University

Language: English

Topic: Wound Healing and Treatments

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,420