Age-Related Aspects of Cutaneous Wound Healing: A Mini-Review

Abstract

As the aging population in developed countries is growing in both numbers and percentage, the medical, social, and economic burdens posed by nonhealing wounds are increasing. Hence, it is all the more important to understand the mechanisms underlying age-related impairments in wound healing. The purpose of this article is to give a concise overview of (1) normal wound healing, (2) alterations in aging skin that have an impact on wound repair, (3) alterations in the repair process of aged skin, and (4) general factors associated with old age that might impair wound healing, with a focus on the literature of the last 10 years.

The Role of Neuromediators and Innervation in Cutaneous Wound Healing

“…All phases of wound healing are affected by age including delayed inflammatory infiltration into the wound, angiogenesis and collagen production and remodelling. A reduction in nerve endings as the skin ages could be a causative factor as to the delayed wound healing seen with ageing (117). Another human example is the delayed cutaneous wound healing that is apparent in those with leprosy induced neuropathy (118).…”

Inflammatory microenvironment and tumor necrosis factor alpha as modulators of periostin and CCN2 expression in human non-healing skin wounds and dermal fibroblasts

“…However, in certain patient populations, including those with vascular disease or diabetes and the elderly, skin healing can be significantly impaired [2,3]. Non-healing skin wounds or "chronic skin wounds" represent a massive and ever increasing burden on healthcare systems around the world.…”

Granzyme B degrades extracellular matrix and contributes to delayed wound closure in apolipoprotein E knockout mice

“…17 The effect of age, diet and proper nutrition on healthy aging and wound healing is well documented and known to elicit profound influences over the speed and quality of cutaneous wound repair. 19,20 Diet and/or age-related immune dysfunction could also conceivably give rise to increased levels of GzmB, especially during chronic inflammation.…”