The Effect of Growth Factors on Vaginal Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #female #wound-healing #collagen

The Effect of Growth Factors on Vaginal Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

van et al., 2023 | Tissue Eng Part B Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

van Velthoven Melissa J J, Gudde Aksel N, ... Kouwer Paul H J. The Effect of Growth Factors on Vaginal Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Tissue Eng Part B Rev. 2023-Aug;29(4):429-440. doi:10.1089/ten.TEB.2022.0225

Abstract

Surgical outcomes of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery are poor, resulting in a 20% recurrence risk. Following the hypothesis that impaired wound healing is the main determinant of recurrent POP, growth factors have the potential to promote wound healing and may improve surgical outcomes. In this study, we systematically reviewed the effect of growth factors on vaginal wound healing in both in vitro and animal studies. For each independent comparison, the standardized mean difference and 95% CI were calculated using the Hedges' g correction. Of the 3858 retrieved studies, seven studies were included, of which six were included in meta-analysis (three in vitro studies and four in vivo studies). In vitro, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promotes proliferation, differentiation, and collagen types I and III production. Epidermal growth factor stimulates proliferation and connective tissue growth factor promotes Tenascin-C expression. These effects, however, are less pronounced in vivo; only bFGF slightly promotes collagen production. The review shows that growth factors, particularly bFGF, are able to promote vaginal wound healing in vitro. The uncertain in vivo findings suggest that preclinical models should be improved. The ultimate goal is to develop effective growth factor-supplemented therapies that improve surgical outcomes for POP.

Key Findings

The ultimate goal is to develop effective growth factor-supplemented therapies that improve surgical outcomes for POP.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Wound Healing
  • Collagen

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: collagen

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09