A new gel preparation heals wounds and smooths scars
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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A team of specialists representing Nanyang Technological University of Singapore, has worked on the creation of a new gel drug that accelerates wound healing. The development was led by Dr. Andrew Tan.
Pharmaceutical companies have long offered medical specialists several varieties of absolutely functional patches that work like patches. Such patches did their job well, reducing the severity of scars or accelerating the healing process. However, such patches could not cope simultaneously with two tasks. As for the new development, it allows you to accelerate the healing of wound surfaces, preventing the formation of scar tissue.
Throughout the study, a team of scientists noticed that the protein substance angiopoietin-4 (otherwise - ANGPTL4) reduces the severity of the inflammatory process at the initial stage of wound healing in rodents. In addition, experts noticed that in the next stages this substance allows the formation of a new blood circulatory network, generally promoting cell growth. And at the final stage, the protein takes part in the formation of scar tissue. The new patch was enriched with angiopoietin-4, making it an active participant in healing processes. To coordinate the mechanisms of wound healing and healing, scientists used the direction of TGFbeta-Smad3, with which it was possible to temporarily reduce collagen production - for example, by the influence of angiopoietin-4 on the protein substance Scleraxis (element TGFbeta-Smad3).
Rodent tests have shown that the new drug is several times more effective than other similar reducing agents. In addition, the protein substance ANGPTL4 can also be applied to other fibrotic pathologies - for example, keloid scars, which are not currently being treated. Scientists from Singapore have planned to improve the composition and orientation of the new drug, in order to increase its effectiveness. New clinical trials will follow.
Wounds - traumatic and postoperative - periodically receive both adults and children. There are many reasons for this, and the need for quality healing products is always present. Wound healing is a rather complex and often lengthy process, the course of which depends on various factors, including the patient’s ability to regenerate. Fortunately, the new developments of the scientists are really encouraging: the healing reaction can be accelerated while preventing the formation of gross scars and the development of complications.
Details of the study are presented on the pages of the official website of the educational institution - http://media.ntu.edu.sg/NewsReleases/Pages/newsdetail.aspx?news=a98e19fe-c5dc-46fa-8595-d81a9c7e703e