A protein found in various body fluids may help heal chronic, nonhealing wounds such as diabetic ulcers and bed sores, according to findings by researchers from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (Nat Med. 2000;6:1147-1153).
The protein, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects and is found in fluids that bathe mucosal surfaces, such as bronchial fluids, cervical fluids, and saliva. In fact, in nature, saliva may be a way of delivering a potent wound-healing substance when animals lick their wounds.
The researchers developed a new model—"knockout" mice that lack the gene for SLPI—to mimic what happens in nonhealing wounds. The mice had an increase in inflammation and in activity of elastase, which breaks down tissue.
When the researchers applied SLPI to the wounds, however, the protein reversed the abnormal response, decreased inflammation, and hastened the rate of healing.
"We . . . [Full Text of this Article]
