Cutaneous wound healing in the pig is frequently used as a model for human cutaneous wound healing. In this review, we examine the appropriateness of this model for studying normal and pathological wound healing, and describe models for chronic nonhealing wounds, diabetic wounds, burns, and hypertrophic scars. In addition, we focus on studies that have used pigs to evaluate wound-healing therapies, and discuss genetic engineering technology in the pig that may advance our knowledge of wound healing. We conclude that, although not perfect, the pig offers a versatile model that can be adjusted to mimic a wide range of clinical scenarios.

In trauma patients requiring 1 or more weeks of intensive care, changes in transthyretin were associated with enteral caloric intake. Our data suggest that transthyretin could be used to monitor nutrition support after 2 weeks in intensive care.

Metabolomics can function as a serial, comprehensive, and potentially personalized tool to characterize metabolism after injury. A targeted metabolomics approach was associated with ongoing oxidative stress, impaired nucleotide synthesis, and initial suppression of protein metabolism followed by increased nitrogen turnover. This technique may provide new therapeutic and nutrition targets in critically injured patients.