Growth factors: the wound healing therapy of the future.
'Growth factors' is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of chemical messengers found in a wide range of tissues, which have a number of functions including the regulation of cell and tissue growth and development. Several growth factors have been proposed as ideal agents to promote wound healing. This review discusses their functions and how they can be applied in the management of chronic wounds.
Carter
Kate
K
Tooting NHS Walk-in Centre, London. getkatecarter@hotmail.com
D002908:Chronic Disease; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*
D006133:Growth Substances; D007375:Interleukin-1; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I