Myofibroblast progeny in wound biology and wound healing studies.

Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts play a myriad of important roles in human tissue function, especially in wound repair and healing. Among all cells, fibroblasts are group of cells that decide the status of wound as they maintain tissue homeostasis. Currently, the increase in the deleterious effects of chronic wound and their morbidity rate has necessitated the need to understand the influence of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, which chiefly originate locally from tissue-resident fibroblasts to address the same. Wound pathophysiology is complex, herein, we have discussed fibroblast and myofibroblast heterogeneity in skin and different organs by understanding the phenotypical and functional properties of each of its sub-populations in the process of wound healing. Recent advancements in fibroblast activation, differentiation to myofibroblasts, proliferation and migration are discussed in detail. Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are key players in wound healing and wound remodelling, respectively, and their significance in wound repair is discussed. An increased understanding of their biology during wound healing also gives an opportunity to explore more of fibroblast and myofibroblast focused therapies to treat chronic wounds which are clinical challenges. In this regard, in the current review, we have described the different methods for isolation of primary fibroblasts and myofibroblasts from both animal models and humans, and their characterization. Additionally, we have also provided details on possible molecular targets for better understanding of prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of chronic wounds. Information will help both researchers and clinicians in providing molecular insight that enable them for effective chronic wound management. The knowledge of intimate dialogue between the fibroblast, sub-populations like, myofibroblast and their microenvironment, will serve useful in determining novel, efficient and specific therapeutic targets to treat pathological wound conditions.

Challenges in Healing Wound: Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Although the word wound sounds like a simple injury to tissue, individual's health status and other inherent factors may make it very complicated. Hence, wound healing has gained major attention in the healthcare. The biology wound healing is precise and highly programmed, through phases of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. Current options for wound healing which includes, use of anti-microbial agents, healing promoters along with application of herbal and natural products. However, there is no efficient evidence-based therapy available for specific chronic wounds that can result in definitive clinical outcomes. Under co-morbid conditions, chronic would poses numerous challenges. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs) in health care sector is increasing and its applications in wound management remains like to "separate the diamonds from ore." Attempts have been made to understand the wound at the molecular level, mainly through the analysis of signature genes and the influence of several synthetic and natural molecules on these. We have outlined a review of challenges in chronic wound healing and the role of CAMs in chronic wound management. The main focus is on the applications and limitations of currently available treatment options for a non-healing wound and the best possible alternates to consider. This information generates broader knowledge on challenges in chronic wound healing, which can be further addressed using multidisciplinary approach and combination therapies.