Cellular, molecular and biochemical differences in the pathophysiology of healing between acute wounds, chronic wounds and wounds in the aged

Abstract

Acute wound healing is a dynamic process involving the coordinated actions of both resident and migratory cell populations within the extracellular matrix environment leading to the repair of injured tissues. In contrast to this some wounds fail to heal in a timely and orderly manner, resulting in chronic non-healing wounds. In addition, chronic wounds are more prevalent in older people due to the altered molecular and cellular characteristics of the aged skin and various associated co-morbidities. This article discusses in detail the cellular, molecular and biochemical differences in healing between acute and chronic wounds, and outlines the effects of ageing on the healing process.