Insulin as Anti-Scar Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Scar development is a typical consequence of skin injuries and surgical procedures, causing functional and aesthetic issues. Current approaches for scar care have limits, necessitating the investigation of alternative therapies. In addition to its well-known function in glucose metabolism, insulin has demonstrated promise as an anti-scar agent due to its effects on wound healing and tissue remodelling. Objectives: The purpose of this review is to investigate the role of Insulin and its mechanisms of action in scar reduction, evaluate the results of clinical trials, and address the problems and future directions of this field. Conclusions: Insulin exerts its anti-scar actions via multiple pathways, such as fibroblast proliferation, extracellular matrix remodelling, and regulation of scar-related gene expression. In vitro and animal research have shown good results, supporting insulin's potential as an efficient scar-reduction treatment. Nevertheless, obstacles pertaining to dosage determination, administration techniques, and potential adverse effects must be solved.