News update


Genetically engineered silkworm fibres have potential for dressings


Researchers at the University of Wyoming, US, have genetically modified silkworms to spin spider silk fibres, a potential biomaterial for wound dressings. Due to territorialism and cannibalism, spiders cannot easily be farmed for their silk. The modified silkworms contain spider silk proteins and spin fibres efficiently and cost-effectively. ‘Silk fibre holds great


potential as a biomaterial for wound dressings, artificial ligaments, tendons, tissue scaffolds, microcapsules and other applications,' said molecular biology professor Donald Jarvis. Click here for more info.


Blocking stress-induced enzymes promotes wound healing


A group of researchers have discovered that beta-blockers and statins prevent stress-induced enzymes from impairing wound healing. A study by researchers at the


University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida, US, have found that beta-blockers and statins, commonly used for heart complications and hypertension, reduce the effects of stress-induced enzymes, such as epinephrine and cortisol. Stress-induced enzymes are


released systemically or locally and affect wound healing through physiological processes, such as cell migration, metabolism, differentiation, inflammation


Pills: Credit: harveyben on Flickr.


and proliferation. This inhibits keratinocyte migration and wound epithelisation. More research into the use of beta-blockers, as well as statins, in elderly patients with chronic wounds are recommended. Click here for more info.


Lymphoedema gene mutation discovered


A recent study has found a mutation in a gene, which causes lymphoedema as well as eye problems and microcephaly (reduced head size). The gene KIF11 has been linked to a condition called


microcephaly-lymphoedema-chorioretinal dyplasia (MLCRD), which is a genetic disorder affecting the head, eyes and limbs. The discovery, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, is thought to be important for the prevention and treatment of lymphoedema. Five patients with MLCRD were examined and their


genes sequenced, leading to the discovery of the gene mutation the patients all had in common. This was then also confirmed in 24 other patients' DNA sequences. The mutation has an impact on protein function and affects the lymphatic system. Click here for


Feet. Credit: BANK OF AME more info. Honey bee. Credit: wwarby on Flickr.


Honey can help to heal perianal fistulas


A recent study has shown that honey reduces purulent discharge and inflammation in chronic perianal fistulas.


A case study published in the International Wound Journal followed a 55-year-old


male who had been suffering from ongoing perianal fistulas for the past 10 years. Local γ-irradiated honeydew honey was applied with a syringe either diluted with sterile physiological solution or undiluted. The patient tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Escherichia coli. After 10 days of treatment, purulent discharge was


reduced, and after 24 days, epithelisation had begun. After five months, fistulas in the left region of the buttocks had disappeared. Click here for more info.


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Wounds International Vol 3 | Issue 1 | ©Wounds International 2012


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