Loneliness tied to pro-inflammatory gene expression in chronic leg and foot wounds

Researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina and elsewhere have linked loneliness in patients with chronic leg and foot wounds to increased expression of genes that are related to inflammation. These pro-inflammatory genes turn on during injury or illness but need to be turned off during healing. If they remain on, wounds do not heal properly. This study focused on patients who live with wounds that remain open for more than four weeks.