Insulin for topical use in wound healing: opportunities and limitations

Abstract

Aims: The role of insulin in the regulation of energy metabolism, protein synthesis, proliferation, migration, secretion by keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts suggests that its presence is essential for wound healing (WH). The present study aims to explore the opportunities and limitations of topical insulin (TI) formulations. Methods: To obtain a complete picture of the challenges of the local insulin formulation a chronological review of previous publications in electronic databases was performed, applying data collection and selection criteria. Results: The opportunity of topically applied insulin has shown active interest over time. According to studies, regular insulin and isophane are suitable for local use, but currently there is no consensus on the appropriate concentration. Insulin can be incorporated into cutaneous liquid, semisolid, and solid dosage forms, either by itself, or by prior nano-or microencapsulation methods. The most important limiting factors to be evaluated are the stability of the peptide and the sterility of the obtained products. Conclusion: Examination of the balance of opportunities and limitations of TI formulations, it can be concluded that the range of applicable technological methods is wide. A high-quality, safe, and efficacious form of TI would have great value from a socio-economic point of view.

Microagulhamento combinado com insulina tópica para correção de cicatriz de acne atrófica em pele fototipo IV de Fitzpatrick: relato de caso

“…8 A investigação demonstrou que a insulina pode normalizar a duração da fase inflamatória, degradar os depósitos de colágeno em cicatrizes atróficas e estimular o IGF para que o tecido cutâneo deprimido possa ser reduzido e acelerar a cicatrização de feridas, ligando-se ao fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina-1 (IGF-1). 9 Os eventos adversos locais encontrados na paciente foram eritema e edema cutâneo por um dia, mas pôde retomar as atividades imediatamente após o procedimento devido à dor mínima. Poucos dias após o procedimento, não houve outros eventos adversos locais, como descamação da pele e HPI.…”

Review of Research in Developing Hydrogels with Insulin to Promote Wound Healing

“…It regulates inflammatory responses in the wound by inducing advanced infiltration and resolution of macrophages [9]. In pre-clinical studies, topical administration of insulin as a solution or ointment was found to have no effect on blood glucose levels [10]. Figure 1 shows the therapeutic potential of insulin in the treatment of chronic and acute skin wounds [11][12][13][14][15][16][17].…”