Increased fluid pinocytosis, induced by action of platelet-derived growth factor on quiescent arterial smooth muscle cells, does not require increased cholesterol biosynthesis

Role of growth factors in cutaneous wound healing: a review

The well-orchestrated, complex series of events resulting in the repair of cutaneous wounds are, at least in part, regulated by polypeptide growth factors. This review provides a detailed overview of the known functions, interactions, and mechanisms of action of growth factors in the context of the overall repair process in cutaneous wounds. An overview of the cellular and molecular events involved in soft tissue repair is initially presented, followed by a review of widely studied growth factors and a discussion of commonly utilized preclinical animal models. The article concludes with a summary of the preliminary results from human clinical trials evaluating the effects of growth factors in the healing of chronic skin ulcers. Throughout, the interactions among the growth factors in the wound-healing process are emphasized.

[New aspects of the biochemistry and biology of the arterial wall]

Early lesions of arteriosclerosis are characterized by proliferating smooth muscle cells, macrophages,and foam cells. In addition, large amounts of connective tissue components and cholesterol esters are found. These changes are primarily located in the intima of the arterial wall. The initial mechanisms responsible for lesion formation are largely unknown. In recent years progress has been made particularly in fields of research related to the biochemistry of arterial wall cells in tissue culture. The findings obtained allow us to deepen our knowledge of the pathophysiology of arteriosclerosis. Of special interest are mechanisms involved in the maintenance of the thromboresistant endothelium, the factors triggering proliferation of intimal smooth muscle cells, and the transformation of macrophages to foam cells.