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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 11/2003

01-11-2003 | Therapy in Practice

Potential Role of Estrogens in Wound Healing

Authors: Dr Gillian S. Ashcroft, Jason J. Ashworth

Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology | Issue 11/2003

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Abstract

Estrogens play a vital role in the development of sexually dimorphic characteristics essential for reproduction. In recent years, insight has been gained into the role of estrogens in non-reproductive pathophysiological processes, including neoplasia, vascular disease and osteoporosis. Intriguingly, the skin appears to act as an end-organ target for estrogenic action; marked structural and functional skin changes occurring after the menopause can be related to altered hormonal profiles. One of the most important consequences of such hormonal changes is the age-related delay in cutaneous wound healing, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality, and increased costs to health services. Reduced estrogen levels have major downstream effects on cellular and tissue responses to injury; such downstream effects include impaired cytokine signal transduction, unchecked inflammation, and altered protein balance, and have a major impact on the rate of wound healing. Further understanding of the complex interaction between aging cells and the hormonal micro-environment is essential to develop focused therapeutic strategies to improve cutaneous wound healing in hypogonadal individuals, including the elderly.
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Metadata
Title
Potential Role of Estrogens in Wound Healing
Authors
Dr Gillian S. Ashcroft
Jason J. Ashworth
Publication date
01-11-2003
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology / Issue 11/2003
Print ISSN: 1175-0561
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1888
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304110-00002

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