Thromb Haemost 2005; 94(01): 4-16
DOI: 10.1160/TH04-12-0812
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

Glycosaminoglycan: a candidate to stimulate the repair of chronic wounds

Philip V. Peplow
1   Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 16 December 2004

Accepted after resubmission 20 April 2005

Publication Date:
05 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

A 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.