Bruise resolution

Bruise resolution is a multi-step physiological process involving the degradation and clearance of extravasated red blood cells (RBCs) from the interstitial space following vascular injury. The process is characterized by an initial inflammatory response where macrophages are recruited to the site of injury to phagocytose RBCs (StatPearls, 2023). Within these cells, hemoglobin is broken down into heme, which is subsequently processed by the enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) into biliverdin, iron, and carbon monoxide; biliverdin is then converted to bilirubin by biliverdin reductase, leading to the visible color transition from purple to green and yellow (PubMed, PMID: 15151901). While 'Bruise resolution' is not a single molecular target, it is a clinical endpoint targeted by various topical and systemic agents intended to accelerate healing and reduce visible skin discoloration. Therapeutic interventions often focus on modulating the inflammatory environment or enhancing local lymphatic and capillary blood flow to facilitate the removal of cellular debris and metabolic byproducts (NIH, 2022).

Other names

Ecchymosis healingContusion resolutionBruise clearanceHematoma resorption

Promotion of extravasated blood resorption through the activation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), enhancement of microvascular circulation, and acceleration of macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of red blood cells.