Generic placeholder image

Current Protein & Peptide Science

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1389-2037
ISSN (Online): 1875-5550

Review Article

Uterine Wound Healing: A Complex Process Mediated by Proteins and Peptides

Author(s): Dario D. Lofrumento, Maria A. Di Nardo, Marianna De Falco and Andrea Di Lieto

Volume 18, Issue 2, 2017

Page: [125 - 128] Pages: 4

DOI: 10.2174/1389203717666160322145939

Price: $65

Abstract

Wound healing is the process by which a complex cascade of biochemical events is responsible of the repair the damage. In vivo, studies in humans and mice suggest that healing and post-healing heterogeneous behavior of the surgically wounded myometrium is both phenotype and genotype dependent. Uterine wound healing process involves many cells: endothelial cells, neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, lymphocytes, fibroblasts, myometrial cells as well a stem cell population found in the myometrium, myoSP (side population of myometrial cells).

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) isoforms, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) are involved in the wound healing mechanisms. The increased TGF- β1/β3 ratio reduces scarring and fibrosis. The CTGF altered expression may be a factor involved in the abnormal scars formation of low uterine segment after cesarean section and of the formation of uterine dehiscence. The lack of bFGF is involved in the reduction of collagen deposition in the wound site and thicker scabs. The altered expression of TNF-α, VEGF, and PDGF in human myometrial smooth muscle cells in case of uterine dehiscence, it is implicated in the uterine healing process.

The over-and under-expressions of growth factors genes involved in uterine scarring process could represent patient’s specific features, increasing the risk of cesarean scar complications.

Keywords: Pregnancy, cesarean section, myomectomy, labor, delivery, dystocia, transforming growth factor beta, connective tissue growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, tumor necrosis factor alpha, wound healing.

Graphical Abstract

Rights & Permissions Print Cite
© 2024 Bentham Science Publishers | Privacy Policy