Scars adorn men, but you can do without them
Scientists at the University of Bristol have demonstrated that the suppression of one of the genes normally activated in the cells of the wound surface accelerates wound healing and prevents scarring. This discovery is important not only for the treatment of superficial wounds, but also for the restoration of tissues of internal organs affected by diseases or surgical interventions.
When the skin is damaged, a blood clot forms, and the cells under it begin to repair the damaged area, which leads to the formation of scar tissue. Scarring is a natural element of tissue regeneration and is most pronounced during the healing of cuts and burns. Scars are formed not only at the sites of superficial wounds, but also in internal organs, for example, with alcohol-induced fibrous degeneration of the liver or after surgical interventions.
Tissue damage triggers an inflammatory reaction mediated by immune cells by macrophages, aimed at eliminating microbes that enter the wound surface. Macrophages also control the synthesis of collagen layers that promote healing, but often form scars at the same time – not only unaesthetic, but also limiting limb mobility or organ function (for example, after a heart attack). The authors showed that the gene encoding the protein osteopontin (osteopontin, OPN) is involved in the activation of the scarring process, and applying a gel to the wound with a drug that suppresses the expression of this gene accelerates healing and prevents the formation of scars. This is partly due to increased regeneration of blood vessels in the tissues surrounding the wound and accelerated restoration of their structure.
According to Martin, macrophages, the signaling molecules synthesized by them and osteopontin are potential targets for the development of drugs that promote wound healing and prevent fibrous degeneration of internal organs. The authors hope that such drugs will be available to clinicians in the near future.
In an earlier work led by Professor Martin, scientists demonstrated that the embryos of many animal species, including humans, repair the damage caused to them without scarring. Currently, they are trying to find a way to give this ability to an adult organism.
Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of ScienceDaily.
30.01.2008