Antibodies To Speed Up Healing Of Chronic Wounds Developed

Antibodies to speed up healing of chronic wounds have been developed by Australian researchers. The breakthrough is good news to burns victims, diabetes sufferers and the elderly.

Associate Professor Allison Cowin, from the Women's and Children's Health Research Institute and the University of Adelaide's Discipline of Surgery have found that a specific protein known as Flightless I (Flii) restricts wound healing. The Adelaide researchers have been able to use antibodies to suppress the Flii protein, thereby promoting wound healing.

Burns - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide
A quick and simple first aid guide on how to administer treatment for first degree and second degree minor burns. Third Degree Burns usually require hospitalization.

"Improving wound healing has the potential to benefit a large proportion of the Australian community, particularly the aged, the obese and patients with diabetes, all of whom are at increased risk of developing chronic, non-healing ulcers," Associate Professor Cowin says.

"This new technology will also have applications for treating burn injuries and surgical wounds," she says.

"When a wound heals faster, the body is better protected against blood loss and infection. But in its haste to heal, the body also creates scar tissue that can cause chronic pain, deformity and disability.

Revolutionary Dressing To Cut Down Deaths From Burns
An Israeli scientist has developed a revolutionary dressing that could drastically cut down deaths from burns.

"The medical need for improved wound healing will only expand as our population ages and the diabetic epidemic grows."

Ms. Cowin says further research into the treatment is needed and it could be as many as 10 years before such a treatment is available to the public.

Top Ten Facts About Diabetes
Diabetes or diabetes mellitus, is an endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) over a prolonged period of time.

The team received a development grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Source-Medindia
GPL