Celecoxib, Angiogenesis, and Wound Healing

Wounds and their healing process are among the most crucial medical issues, especially in the field of dermatology and surgery that imposes notable costs to the health care system.

Wound healing requires specific fundamental steps, such as angiogenesis and inflammation. Angiogenesis is controlled by different cytokines such as Hypoxia-Inducible Factor α (HIF-α), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), and Matrix MetalloProteinases (MMPs).

Celecoxib, an inhibitor of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), is widely used in medicine and different fields. This medication can inhibit angiogenesis via suppressing all mentioned cytokines. Thus, suppression of angiogenesis by celecoxib, especially in chronic wounds, may result in the poor or delayed healing.

Authors suggest complementary clinical studies to evaluate the possible role of celecoxib on the wound healing focusing on angiogenesis.