title: [Trace elements and extracellular matrix].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effects of trace elements on the metabolism of extracellular matrix and explore the physiological and pathological mechanism of trauma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Based on the experimental and clinical data, it was studied that the action of trace elements in the metabolism of extracellular matrix in trauma repairing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During wound healing, the trace elements were the components of many kinds of enzymes, carriers and proteins. They took part in the synthesis of hormones and vitamins as well as the transmission of information system. They activated many different kinds of enzymes and regulate the levels of free radicals. The trace elements had the complicated effects on the synthesis, decompose, deposition and reconstruction of collagen and other extracellular matrix.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The trace elements play an important role in regulating the metabolism of extracellular matrix.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China 100083.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miao
authors.forename: Z L
authors.initials: ZL
authors.lastname: Qin
authors.forename: X T
authors.initials: XT
authors.lastname: Niu
mesh_terms: D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000378:metabolism*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D014131:Trace Elements; D003094:Collagen