The process of wound healing is biologically complex but can be divided into three distinct phases: inflammation, proliferation of cells, and remodeling of tissue. During each of these phases the genes that encode for proteins necessary for tissue repair are sequentially up-regulated and then down-regulated. In chronic wounds, the modulation and timetable for up-regulation and/or down-regulation is disrupted due to older age, underlying disease, immuno-suppressive medication, or some unknown cause, resulting in overproduction of a number of inflammatory molecules. The overproduction of these molecules causes excessive inflammation, which prevents the proliferation and remodeling phases. In key experimental studies it has been found that Tβ4 can down-regulate a number of these molecules and, thus, reduce inflammation. The ability of Tβ4 to down-regulate these inflammatory molecules suggests additional uses for Tβ4 in diseases characterized by dysregulated inflammation as is often seen in patients with Crohn’s disease and muscular dystrophy, among others.

Tβ4 Reduces Inflammation and Promotes Re-epithelialization
Control:		Tβ4 Treated Group:
Source: Courtesy of Sosne et al., The Kresge Eye Institute/Wayne State University, 2004