Glycosaminoglycan: a candidate to stimulate the repair of chronic wounds

Abstract

SummaryA persistent inflammation with large numbers of neutrophils is found in chronic wounds. Secretory products released from the neutrophils, which include proteinases and a heparin-binding protein, are detrimental to wound healing as they cause degradation of the extracellular matrix and growth factors, and promote further recruitment of neutrophils to the wound area. The neutrophil-derived elastase, cathepsin G, proteinase-3 and heparin-binding protein are cationic, and it is hypothesized that their effects can be inhibited by electrostatic binding with certain anionic polymers such as glycosaminoglycans or functionalized dextrans. A sustained delivery of such compounds alone or in combination from a biodegradable carrier may provide a stimulus for these wounds to pass to the next stage of repair.