Developing a Healing Formulation Able to Prevent Scar Hypertrophy

Abstract

Derangement of the processes regulating wound healing leads to esthetical and functional problems, and its prevention still represents an unmet therapeutic need. Several compounds are endowed with the ability to redirect the healing process, and prevent excessive fibroblast proliferation, scar hypertrophy as well as keloids. In the present study, we evaluated the healing and anti-inflammatory effects of topical applications of a multicomponent healing formulation (MHF) containing bromelain, onion extracts, glycyrrhizin, and snail mucus as well as vitamin E and A in a mouse model of scar hypertrophy. Daily topical application of the MHF did not affect the healing rate. Still, the MHF significantly reduced the wound inflammatory response as evidenced by reduced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1β, IL6 and TNFα in the granulation tissue of mice exposed to MHF compared to control animals. In keeping with this, histological analysis of the scars showed that those from MHF-challenged mice were less hyperplastic, with reduced abnormal collagen deposition and, overall, appeared more hydrated and with higher conservation of tissue organization. The present study, on the one hand indicates that the MHF may be harnessed to prevent the evolution of the healing process toward scar hypertrophy or keloids in patients, and on the other that a multicomponent strategy is a rational approach to developing topical remedies to prevent abnormal wound healing.