Mechanotransduction in Wound Healing: From the Cellular and Molecular Level to the Clinic - PubMed (original) (raw)

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Mechanotransduction in Wound Healing: From the Cellular and Molecular Level to the Clinic

Siqi Fu et al. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2021.

Abstract

General purpose: To review the various mechanical forces that affect fibroblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and adipocytes at the cellular and molecular level as well as scar-reducing mechanical devices currently in clinical use.

Target audience: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

Learning objectives/outcomes: After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Compare and contrast the responses of various types of cells to mechanical forces.2. Identify the mechanical devices and techniques that can help restore skin integrity.

Plain language summary

Skin provides a critical protective barrier for humans that is often lost following burns, trauma, or resection. Traditionally, skin loss is treated with transfer of tissue from other areas of the body such as a skin graft or flap. Mechanical forces can provide powerful alternatives and adjuncts for skin replacement and scar modulation. This article first provides an overview of the various mechanical forces that affect fibroblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and adipocytes at the cellular and molecular level. This is followed by a review of the mechanical devices currently in clinical use that can substantially augment the restoration of skin integrity and reduce scarring. Methods described include tissue expanders, external volume expansion, negative-pressure wound therapy, and skin taping.

Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Conflict of interest statement

Acknowledgment: The authors thank The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation for the generous donation to the Tissue Engineering and Wound Healing Laboratory that helped accomplish this work. Dr Orgill has disclosed that he is a consultant to and recipient of grant research funding from Acelity, but that his spouse/life partner (if any) has no financial relationships with, or financial interests in, any commercial organizations relevant to this educational activity. Lippincott CME Institute and Lippincott Professional Development have identified and resolved all conflicts of interest concerning this educational activity. The remaining authors, faculty, staff, and planners, including spouses/partners (if any), in any position to control the content of this CME/NCPD activity have disclosed that they have no financial relationships with, or financial interests in, any commercial companies relevant to this educational activity.

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