A research team from the Boston University School of Medicine has made a breakthrough in the field of wound healing in aged skin. On December 3, 2024, the journal Aging-US published a research paper titled "Topical ABT-263 treatment reduces aging in aged skin and improves subsequent wound healing", revealing the significant potential of a drug called ABT-263 in promoting wound healing in aged skin.

Background

As we age, a large number of senescent cells accumulate in human tissues. Although these cells no longer function properly, they refuse to die. Their accumulation in tissues such as the skin can significantly slow down wound healing. This phenomenon is particularly common in the elderly, especially in postoperative recovery and chronic wound care. Slow wound healing has always been a problem in the medical field.

Research Results

Researchers Maria Shvedova, Rex Jeya Rajkumar Samdavid Thanapaul, Joy Ha, and others from Boston University School of Medicine found that ABT-263, as a topically applied anti-aging drug, can significantly improve the wound healing ability of aging skin. In the study, the researchers applied ABT-263 to the skin of elderly mice for five days. The results showed that the signs of aging in the treated skin were significantly reduced, and the healing speed was faster after small wounds were produced. By the 24th day, 80% of the mice treated with ABT-263 had completely healed their wounds, compared with only 56% of the untreated mice.

Inflammation and healing

The study also found that the transient peak of inflammation triggered by ABT-263 played a positive role in wound healing. This inflammation seemed to "wake up" the skin's repair system, causing it to respond to wounds more quickly. In addition, ABT-263 enhanced the activity of genes associated with wound repair, including genes involved in collagen production and new blood vessel growth, which are essential for skin strength and regeneration.

Drug selectivity and safety

ABT-263 showed selectivity in old mice, significantly reducing senescent cells, while having no significant effect in young mice, suggesting that the drug is particularly effective against the accumulation of damaged cells in old tissues. In addition, because ABT-263 is applied directly to the skin, it avoids the common systemic side effects of oral anti-aging drugs.

Research significance and future prospects

"Our study highlights the potential of topical anti-aging treatments to promote wound healing in aged skin, providing a promising strategy for pre-surgical care," said Maria Shvedova, who led the study. Although the current findings are encouraging, the researchers noted that further studies are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this treatment in humans.

This study represents an important step forward in the field of regenerative medicine and opens up new opportunities to improve wound healing in aging skin. In the future, as more clinical trials are conducted, ABT-263 is expected to become an important treatment in wound care for the elderly.

About Aging Magazine

Aging-US is an internationally renowned academic journal that focuses on the study of aging and related diseases and is committed to promoting the development of aging biology and regenerative medicine.

References

Shvedova, M. et al. (2024). Topical ABT-263 treatment slows senescence and improves subsequent wound healing in aged skin. Journal of Aging. DOI: 10.18632/aging.206165

Source: American Aging Study