Growth factors in cutaneous wound repair

Regardless of the nature of inciting events, the wound healing response follows a predictable pattern. The events can be divided into overlapping phases: acute inflammation; proliferation of fibroblast, endothelial, and epithelial cells; and matrix synthesis and remodeling with scar formation. Wound repair is regulated by a carefully orchestrated cascade of cytokines and growth factors. When injury occurs, cytokine production and secretion are induced (largely by platelets and macrophages from the wound border) and the processes of inflammation and healing are initiated. Although numerous cytokines are involved, the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily of mediators plays a key role in wound healing.