ORIGINAL ARTICLE   

Acta Vulnologica 2016 December;14(4):186-95

Copyright © 2016 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English, Italian

Effectiveness of a new bioactive GAGs-based dressing in increasing re-epithelialization rate in venous ulcers

Francesco PETRELLA ¹, Giuseppe NEBBIOSO ² ✉

¹ ASL Napoli 3 Sud, Naples, Italy; ² ASL Napoli 1 Centro, Naples, Italy

BACKGROUND: Chronic wounds, unlike acute ones, are characterized by a persistent inflammatory phase. Under such conditions, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines increase and this results in a rise in the ratio between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. MMPs include a number of proteinases responsible for the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagen, elastin, fibronectin and laminin. As a result, the ECM is no longer able to perform its function.
METHODS: The effect of the application of a novel dressing based on a mixture of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) on the speed of re-epithelialization of skin ulcers of venous origin over two weeks’ time was compared to a control group treated with just polyurethane foam dressing and compression bandages.
RESULTS: The use of the new GAG-based bioactive dressing has accelerated the healing process compared to the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: The GAGs promote the activity of various growth factors. It would also seem that they are capable of blocking the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

KEY WORDS: Proteoglycans - Glycosaminoglycans - Extracellular matrix