A mathematical model of ischemic cutaneous wounds

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Sep 29;106(39):16782-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0909115106. Epub 2009 Sep 21.

Abstract

Chronic wounds represent a major public health problem affecting 6.5 million people in the United States. Ischemia, primarily caused by peripheral artery diseases, represents a major complicating factor in cutaneous wound healing. In this work, we sought to develop a mathematical model of ischemic dermal wounds. The model consists of a coupled system of partial differential equations in the partially healed region, with the wound boundary as a free boundary. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is assumed to be viscoelastic, and the free boundary moves with the velocity of the ECM at the boundary. The model equations involve the concentration of oxygen, PDGF and VEGF, the densities of macrophages, fibroblasts, capillary tips and sprouts, and the density and velocity of the ECM. Simulations of the model demonstrate how ischemic conditions may limit macrophage recruitment to the wound-site and impair wound closure. The results are in general agreement with experimental findings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Ischemia / metabolism*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Skin / blood supply
  • Skin / injuries*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Oxygen