A group of researchers have discovered that beta-blockers and statins prevent stress-induced enzymes from impairing wound healing.

A study by researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Florida, US, have found that beta-blockers  and statins, commonly used for heart complications and hypertension, reduce the effects of stress-induced enzymes, such as epinephrine and cortisol.

Stress-induced enzymes are released systemically or locally and affect wound healing through physiological processes, such as cell migration, metabolism, differentiation, inflammation and proliferation. This inhibits keratinocyte migration and wound epithelisation.

More research into the use of beta-blockers, as well as statins, in elderly patients with chronic wounds are recommended.

Click here to view the study.

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