Regulatory Roles of Androgens in Cutaneous Wound Healing

The document from 2003 reviews the role of androgens, such as testosterone, in cutaneous wound healing, indicating that they may inhibit wound repair and promote inflammation. Androgen receptors are expressed by cells involved in the healing process, including inflammatory cells, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts. While estrogens are noted to have a positive effect on wound healing, testosterone is suggested to have a detrimental effect. The review covers the influence of androgens on all phases of wound healing, from clot formation to wound remodeling. It also mentions that elderly males with higher testosterone levels experience slower wound healing compared to females, and studies in mice have shown that castration can lead to accelerated wound healing. The document underscores the need for further research to fully understand the specific roles and mechanisms of androgens in human wound repair.