[The role of growth factors in wound healing]

Growth factors are mediators with essential importance for undisturbed repair process after wounding. The well coordinated concert of these substances is necessary for healing with complete restoration of function and morphology. These complex mechanisms are disturbed during secondary and delayed repair. The result is protracted healing course and inferior scar quality--either hypo- or hypertrophic. Local and systemic application of these growth factors seems to add important instruments for therapeutic use in the treatment of chronic wounds. Knowledge from experimental research is encouraging, although the exact mechanisms of synergistic action are not completely understood. However, the results from clinical use in controlled studies do not meet these expectations by far. The main reasons for this dilemma are thought to be little understanding in the complex interactions of these substances. In fact, different wound entities seem to reveal different cytokine profiles during the course of repair. Further intensive research therefore is required for the rational use of growth factors in the clinical setting.