TARGETING WOUND HEALING THROUGH PHARMACOLOGICAL & MODIFIABLE FACTORS: FROM PRECLINICAL EVIDENCE TO CLINICAL APPLICATION

Abstract

This thesis investigates two complementary aspects of wound healing: the clinical impact of preoperative serum albumin levels on postoperative complications and the therapeutic potential of statins in enhancing wound repair based on preclinical evidence. Paper 1 evaluates the association between hypoalbuminemia and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing skin graft procedures. Using data from the ACS-NSQIP, a retrospective cohort study was conducted with propensity score matching. The analysis demonstrates that low preoperative serum albumin levels are significantly associated with increased odds of both wound-related and systemic postoperative complications. These findings highlight serum albumin as a potential biomarker, as well as a modifiable risk factor in surgical recovery. Paper 2 presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies assessing the effects of statin therapy on wound healing. While statins are widely used for cardiovascular disease prevention, they also possess anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic properties that may promote tissue regeneration. By synthesizing findings from animal models, this study quantifies the effect of statins on wound closure and repair, suggesting a promising adjunctive role in wound management—one that warrants exploration in clinical settings, supporting a bench-to-bedside approach. Together, these studies bridge clinical and preclinical perspectives on wound healing, emphasizing the importance of both nutritional status and pharmacological modulation in improving outcomes. They lay the groundwork for future research aimed at developing targeted interventions to enhance tissue repair and improve outcomes in surgical patients.