Hormesis: wound healing and fibroblasts

Area of Science:

• Dermal wound healing research
• Cellular biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hormesis, a biphasic dose response, is increasingly recognized in biological systems.
• Understanding hormetic effects is crucial for optimizing therapeutic interventions.
• Previous studies highlighted hormetic responses in keratinocytes during wound healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the occurrence and mechanisms of hormetic dose responses in dermal wound healing.
• To assess the impact of hormesis on fibroblast viability, proliferation, migration, and collagen deposition.
• To explore the role of common signaling pathways in mediating these responses.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies using human and murine fibroblasts.
• Induction of hormetic responses using various agents (endogenous, pharmaceutical, plant-derived, physical stressors).
• Mechanistic studies focusing on signaling pathways and cross-pathway communications.

Main Results:

• Hormetic dose responses were frequently observed in fibroblasts for key wound healing parameters.
• A broad spectrum of agents, including dietary supplements and low-level laser therapy, induced hormesis.
• Common signaling pathways were identified as mediators of these hormetic effects.

Conclusions:

• Hormesis is a general phenomenon in dermal wound healing, impacting critical cellular functions.
• The findings support a fundamental role for hormesis in wound healing research and therapy.
• This concept provides a framework for developing novel wound healing strategies.