Role of matrix metalloproteinases in non-healing venous ulcers.

Chronic venous ulceration (CVU) of the lower limbs is a common condition affecting 1% of the adult population in Western countries, which is burdened with a high complication rate and a marked reduction in the quality of life often due to prolonged healing time. Several metalloproteinases (MMPs) such as MMP-9 together with neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) appear to be involved in the onset and healing phases of venous ulcer, but it is still unclear how many biochemical components are responsible for prolonged healing time in those ulcers. In this study, we evaluate the role of MMP-1 and MMP-8 in long lasting and refractory venous ulcers.

Cilostazol prevents foot ulcers in diabetic patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Diabetic patients are at high risk of foot ulcerations that may lead to limb amputations with important socio-economic impact. Peripheral vascular disease may be frequently associated in diabetes mellitus type II with its main symptom, intermittent claudication. Many studies reported the known efficacy of cilostazol in treating vascular claudication.

Doxycycline speeds up healing of chronic venous ulcers.

Venous ulcers are common, with an overall prevalence of up to 2% in the general population of western countries, and have significant socioeconomic impact. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the alteration of extracellular matrix that could lead to venous ulceration. Sixty-four patients with venous ulcers were recruited in a 22-month period.

Low molecular weight heparin improves healing of chronic venous ulcers especially in the elderly.

Venous ulcers are common, especially in the elderly, accounting for more than 50% of all lower extremity ulcers with important socioeconomic problems. Improving extracellular matrix functioning, by heparin administration, seems to be a way to support wound healing. A total of 284 patients with venous ulcers were recruited in a 4-year period.

Hyperhomocysteinaemia and chronic venous ulcers.

Chronic venous ulceration (CVU) is the major cause of chronic wounds of lower extremities, and is a part of the complex of chronic venous disease. Previous studies have hypothesised that several thrombophilic factors, such as hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy), may be associated with chronic venous ulcers. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of HHcy in patients with venous leg ulcers and the effect of folic acid therapy on wound healing.