title: Strategies Demonstrating Efficacy in Reducing Wound ContractionIn Vivo.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  Scarring continues to present a significant clinical problem. Wound contraction leads to scarring and is mediated by myofibroblasts and contractile forces across the wound bed. Contracture formation can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the patient, particularly where function and appearance are affected.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Novel tissue-engineered matrices, cell-based therapies, and medicinal therapeutics have shown significant reduction in wound contraction inin-vivomodels, particularly at early time points. These have been accompanied in many cases by reduced numbers of myofibroblasts, and in some by increased angiogenesis and improved neodermal architecture.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There are no animal models that replicate all aspects of wound healing as seen in patients. Therefore, information obtained fromin vivostudies should be assessed critically. Additional studies, in particular those that seek to elucidate the mechanisms by which novel therapies reduce contraction, are needed to gain sufficient confidence to move into clinical testing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of knockout mouse models in particular has generated significant advances in knowledge of the mechanisms behind myofibroblast conversion and other factors involved in generating tension across the wound. Medicinal therapeutics and tissue-engineering approaches that seek to disrupt/alter these pathways hold much promise for future development and translation to clinical practice.
authors: Blond McIndoe Research Foundation, Queen Victoria Hospital , East Grinstead, United Kingdom .
authors: Justin R
authors: JR
authors: Sharpe
authors: Blond McIndoe Research Foundation, Queen Victoria Hospital , East Grinstead, United Kingdom .
authors: Yella
authors: Y
authors: Martin