Metallothioneins: potential therapeutic aids for wound healing in the skin

Abstract

Metallothioneins are a family of low molecular weight proteins containing approximately 30 % cysteine. Expression of the metallothionein gene is up-regulated in the skin following topical application of zinc and copper, and in wound margins particularly in regions of high mitotic activity. This induction of metallothionein in the wound margin may reflect its role in promoting cell proliferation and reepithelialiation. The action of metallothioneins in these processes may result from the large number of Zinc-dependent and copper-dependent enzymes required for cell proliferation and matrix remodeling. In addition, selected growth factors may modulate metallothionein gene expression and hence the ability of cells to proliferate. Recent studies suggest that metallothioneins may be an attractive target for development as vulnerary agents.

Gene expression profile analysis of 4-phenylbutyrate treatment of IB3-1 bronchial epithelial cell line demonstrates a major influence on heat-shock proteins

“…The other four probe sets in this functional group resolved to a set of closely related metallothioneins. Metallothioneins are protective proteins produced in response to a variety of stressful stimuli or as part of an inflammatory response with multiple functions including protection against heavy metal and oxidant damage, redox control, and metabolic regulation (26).…”

Facial Skin Lifting and Brightening Following Sleep on Copper Oxide Containing Pillowcases

“…In the skin, copper stimulates the production of collagens, integrin and fibronectin [15][16][17][18]. Copper upregulates lysyl oxidase, metalloproteinases, glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans involved in matrix remodeling, cell proliferation and re-epithelization [16,[18][19][20][21]. Copper also stabilizes the extracellular matrix (ECM) once formed [18,22,23].…”

Combined Use of Acid Fibroblast Growth Factor, Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor and Zinc Sulphate Accelerates Diabetic Ulcer Healing

“…21,22) Significant benefit of topical application of Zn with or without other components on diabetic or nondiabetic wound healing was observed. 13,[23][24][25][26] The beneficial effects of topical application of Zn include not only the correction of wound tissue's Zn deficiency, but also the enhancement of angiogenesis, decrease of inflammatory response and bacterial growth, and increase of antioxidants against diabetes-caused dermal and vessel further damage. More important, Zn is also able to amplify FGF functions.…”