Use of the cathelicidin LL-37 and derivatives thereof for wound healing
Use of the antimicrobial cathelicidin peptide II-37, N-terminal fragments of LL-37 or extended sequences of LL-37 having 1-3 amino acids in the C-terminal end, for stimulating proliferation of epithelial and stromal cells and thereby healing of wounds, such as chronic ulcers. The cytotoxic effect of LL-37 may be reduced by including a bilayer-forming polar lipid, especially a digalactosyldiacylglycerol, in pharmaceutical compositions and growth media comprising LL-37.
1. A method for stimulating proliferation of epithelial cells in a chronic ulcer due to diabetes, comprising administering an effective amount of a peptide LL-37 (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject in need of such treatment.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said peptide LL-37 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is in the form of the acetate salt.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the peptide LL-37 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is administered topically to the chronic ulcer.
4. A method for stimulating epithelial regeneration in a chronic ulcer due to diabetes, comprising administering an effective amount of a peptide LL-37 (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject in need of such treatment.
5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein said peptide LL-37 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is in the form of the acetate salt.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein the peptide LL-37 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is administered topically to the chronic ulcer.
7. A method for stimulating re-epithelialization in a chronic ulcer due to diabetes, comprising administering an effective amount of a peptide LL-37 (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject in need of such treatment.
8. The method according to claim 7 , wherein said peptide LL-37 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is in the form of the acetate salt.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein the peptide LL-37 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is administered topically to the chronic ulcer.