The role of oxygen in wound healing: a review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
The presence of oxygen is necessary for normal wound healing. Oxygen has been given as a therapeutic modality to assist and speed wound healing.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to summarize the role of oxygen in wound healing.


METHODS
A literature review of clinical and basic science studies regarding oxygen and wound healing was conducted.


RESULTS
Hypoxia appears to jump start wound healing via hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha and reepithelialization. Nonetheless, oxygen is often required to start or sustain other wound healing processes.


CONCLUSIONS
Both the absence and the presence of oxygen have effects on wound healing; however, its role is not completely understood. Although hyperbaric oxygen and topical oxygen therapy have been described in aiding wound healing, case-controlled prospective studies are lacking and evidence for their efficacy is inconsistent. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Paola G
PG
Rodriguez
Frances N
FN
Felix
David T
DT
Woodley
Elisabeth K
EK
Shim
D000818:Animals; D001458:Bandages; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D017053:Infection Control; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D003094:Collagen; D010100:Oxygen