From wombs to wounds; menstrual fluid factors promote skin repair

Lead researcher

Dr Jemma Evans

Main finding

Menstrual fluid, and specific factors contained within menstrual fluid, promote repair of skin wounds proven in 3 different models: human skin cells, a human skin model using tissue from breast reductions and tummy tuck surgery, and a preclinical model of skin repair.

Centre

Centre for Reproductive Health

Research group

Endometrial Remodelling

Co-authors

Infusini G, McGovern J, Cuttle L, Webb A, Nebl T, Milla L, Kimble R, Kempf M, Andrews CJ, Leavesley D, Salamonsen LA

Journal and article title

FASEB Journal

Menstrual fluid factors facilitate tissue repair: identification and functional action in endometrial and skin repair

Most surprising

Menstrual fluid promotes skin repair - how weird is that!

Logically, the endometrium is a tissue which repairs incredibly rapidly in the presence of menstrual fluid. We took a blue-skies approach and tested menstrual fluid on skin cells and we were amazed to discover that menstrual fluid promoted rapid skin repair also.

Future implications

Chronic wounds, affecting an increasing number of people worldwide, have a very detrimental impact on quality of life and even life expectancy. These wound can often lead to amputation of the affected limb due to infection with the one year survival after amputation as low as 53 per cent. Better treatment options for these wounds is critical to improve multiple aspects of health. Factors identified within menstrual fluid may be developed into a novel treatment for these wounds.

Disease/health impact

Skin wounds