Collagen Metabolism in Wound Healing

Abstract

A wound results in disruption of the normal continuity of body structures. Wound healing is restoration of the continuity of injured tissues. Collagen plays a crucial role in healing of wounds of skin and other tissues. There is general agreement that synthesis of collagen is required for restoration of physical strength of wounds. It is now also widely recognized that clarification of the precise role of collagen in the wound healing process requires not only information on the quantity of collagen present during the healing process, but, in addition, data on the rate at which collagen is synthesized, deposited and resorbed. Collagen biosynthesis includes unique biochemical processes, such as hydroxylation of proline to hydroxproline. Activity of these separate biosynthetic steps, likewise, must be evaluated for a thorough understanding of the function of collagen in wound healing. This review will emphasize collagen metabolism of cutaneous wounds not only because of the clinical and therapeutic significance of the healing of surgical incisions, but also since most experiments on collagen in wound healing have used skin injuries. The data to be summarized have been selected mainly from recent studies on “normal” wound healing. Unfortunately, few facts are available concerning collagen metabolism in healing complications such as keloids.