ECM-Based Therapies Tackle Chronic Inflammation in Hard-to-Heal Wounds
An article in *Podiatry Today* (July 2025) from HMP Global explores how extracellular matrix (ECM) therapies can shift chronic wounds—including diabetic foot ulcers and pressure injuries—from a stalled inflammatory state into active healing.
Key Highlights:
- ECM’s Multifaceted Role: ECM scaffolds help regulate inflammation, support cellular migration and proliferation, guide tissue remodeling, and prevent excessive ECM degradation.
- Breaking the Inflammation Stall: Chronic wounds often pause in inflammation due to biofilm, cytokine imbalance, and elevated proteases. ECM therapies help rebalance these factors to restart healing.
- Common ECM Scaffolds: Clinically used acellular matrices include collagen grafts, small intestinal submucosa, amniotic membranes, fetal-derived placental products, and ovine forestomach matrix.
- Next‑Gen Innovations: Advanced ECMs integrate anti-inflammatory agents, growth factor sequestration (e.g., via heparan sulfate analogues), protease modulation, and nanofiber/microstructure engineering to enhance function.
- Emerging Evidence: Real-world studies on ECM products—such as porcine placental matrix (InnovaMatrix®) and ovine forestomach matrix (Endoform®, Symphony®)—show promise in diabetic foot and venous ulcer healing.
This review highlights the growing role of ECM therapies in resolving chronic inflammation and reactivating stalled wounds, positioning them as crucial adjuncts in advanced wound-care protocols.
Source: “Targeting Chronic Inflammation: Extracellular Matrix Therapies in Hard-to-Heal Wounds,” *Podiatry Today* (July 2025), via HMP Global Learning Network.
Keywords: extracellular matrix therapy, chronic inflammation, ECM scaffolds, protease modulation, hard-to-heal wounds