The effect of OTR4120, a heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan memetic on improving acute and impaired wound healing in rats

Abstract

Dating back to the prehistoric times, wounds have been common with mankind. The treatment of wounds is an art as old as humanity. Today, wounds are of increasing concern in our society in terms of their prevalence and costs. In the developed countries, patients suffering from chronic wounds, such as venous, diabetic, and pressure ulcers, comprise approximately 1% to 2% of the population. The incidence of pressure ulcers is as high as 11% in hospitalized patients and as high as 24% in nursing home residents [5]. Diabetic ulcers are recently estimated to occur in 15% of global diabetes population and precede 84% of all diabetes-related lowerlimb amputations. Moreover, the incidence of ulcer recurrence after complete healing approaches 30% within 1 year. In addition to chronic wounds, there are a large number of acute wounds such as surgical and traumatic wounds. Acute wounds can fail to heal in a timely manner and can also heal with a hypertrophic scar or keloid. Wounds and their treatment represent an enormous burden to patients, health care professionals, and the health care system. In the United States, the costs related to chronic wounds are estimated over $25 billion a year. In the European Union, the costs related to pressure and venous ulcers are estimated around €20 billion a year. The burden created by chronic wounds is growing rapidly due to the increasing health care costs, the aging population, and the sharp rise in the incidence of diabetes and obesity. The immense economic and social impact of wounds calls for intensive studies to understand the biology of wound healing and to develop strategies to maximize healing efficiency.