Abstract:
Our understanding of the role of oxygen in cell physiology has evolved from its longrecognized
importance as an essential factor in oxidative metabolism to its recognition as an
important player in cell signaling. With regard to the latter, oxygen is needed for the generation of
reactive oxygen species (ROS), which regulate a number of different cellular functions including
differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and contraction. Data specifically concerning the
role of ROS-dependent signaling in cutaneous wound repair are very limited, especially regarding
wound contraction. In this review we provide an overview of the current literature on the role of
molecular and reactive oxygen in the physiology of wound repair as well as in the pathophysiology
and therapy of chronic wounds, especially under ischemic and hyperglycemic conditions.
