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Recent Advances in Scar Biology

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2017) | Viewed by 108534

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Rei Ogawa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8603, Japan
Interests: burn reconstruction; scar management; keloid; hypertrophic scars; scar contractures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Scars develop in the final stage of wound healing. Wound healing and scarring involves complex biological pathways, and the exact mechanisms by which they are initiated, evolved, and regulated remain to be fully elucidated. Scar-less wound healing is a major goal of medical science. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to elucidate the relevant clinical, histopathological, and molecular manifestations of scars, and to understand how these manifestations relate to each other.

This Special Issue will cover a selection of recent research topics and current review articles in the field of scar research for all kinds of tissues and organs. Experimental papers, up-to-date review articles, and commentaries are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Rei Ogawa
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • scar
  • fibrosis
  • fibroproliferative disorder
  • inflammation
  • organ fibrosis
  • interstitial fibrosis
  • arteriosclerosis
  • keloids
  • hypertrophic scars
  • scleroderma
  • pulmonary fibrosis
  • cirrhosis
  • nephrosclerosis

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 173 KiB  
Editorial
Recent Advances in Scar Biology
by Rei Ogawa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(6), 1749; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19061749 - 13 Jun 2018
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2992
Abstract
n/a Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

12 pages, 2842 KiB  
Article
HtrA1 Is Specifically Up-Regulated in Active Keloid Lesions and Stimulates Keloid Development
by Satoko Yamawaki, Motoko Naitoh, Hiroshi Kubota, Rino Aya, Yasuhiro Katayama, Toshihiro Ishiko, Taku Tamura, Katsuhiro Yoshikawa, Tatsuki Enoshiri, Mika Ikeda and Shigehiko Suzuki
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(5), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19051275 - 24 Apr 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4816
Abstract
Keloids occur after failure of the wound healing process; inflammation persists, and various treatments are ineffective. Keloid pathogenesis is still unclear. We have previously analysed the gene expression profiles in keloid tissue and found that HtrA1 was markedly up-regulated in the keloid lesions. [...] Read more.
Keloids occur after failure of the wound healing process; inflammation persists, and various treatments are ineffective. Keloid pathogenesis is still unclear. We have previously analysed the gene expression profiles in keloid tissue and found that HtrA1 was markedly up-regulated in the keloid lesions. HtrA1 is a serine protease suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and osteoarthritis, by modulating extracellular matrix or cell surface proteins. We analysed HtrA1 localization and its role in keloid pathogenesis. Thirty keloid patients and twelve unrelated patients were enrolled for in situ hybridization, immunohistochemical, western blot, and cell proliferation analyses. Fibroblast-like cells expressed more HtrA1 in active keloid lesions than in surrounding lesions. The proportion of HtrA1-positive cells in keloids was significantly higher than that in normal skin, and HtrA1 protein was up-regulated relative to normal skin. Silencing HtrA1 gene expression significantly suppressed cell proliferation. HtrA1 was highly expressed in keloid tissues, and the suppression of the HtrA1 gene inhibited the proliferation of keloid-derived fibroblasts. HtrA1 may promote keloid development by accelerating cell proliferation and remodelling keloid-specific extracellular matrix or cell surface molecules. HtrA1 is suggested to have an important role in keloid pathogenesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)
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16 pages, 2455 KiB  
Article
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Alters the Expression of Fibrosis-Related Molecules in Fibroblast Derived from Human Hypertrophic Scar
by Hui Song Cui, A Ram Hong, June-Bum Kim, Joo Hyang Yu, Yoon Soo Cho, So Young Joo and Cheong Hoon Seo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010124 - 02 Jan 2018
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 7596
Abstract
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) considerably improves the appearance and symptoms of post-burn hypertrophic scars (HTS). However, the mechanism underlying the observed beneficial effects is not well understood. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism underlying changes in cellular and [...] Read more.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) considerably improves the appearance and symptoms of post-burn hypertrophic scars (HTS). However, the mechanism underlying the observed beneficial effects is not well understood. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism underlying changes in cellular and molecular biology that is induced by ESWT of fibroblasts derived from scar tissue (HTSFs). We cultured primary dermal fibroblasts derived from human HTS and exposed these cells to 1000 impulses of 0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 mJ/mm2. At 24 h and 72 h after treatment, real-time PCR and western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein expression, respectively, and cell viability and mobility were assessed. While HTSF viability was not affected, migration was decreased by ESWT. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression was reduced and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen-I, fibronectin, and twist-1 were reduced significantly after ESWT. Expression of E-cadherin was increased, while that of N-cadherin was reduced. Expression of inhibitor of DNA binding 1 and 2 was increased. In conclusion, suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition might be responsible for the anti-scarring effect of ESWT, and has potential as a therapeutic target in the management of post-burn scars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)
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4304 KiB  
Article
High-Mobility Group Box 1 Mediates Fibroblast Activity via RAGE-MAPK and NF-κB Signaling in Keloid Scar Formation
by Jihee Kim, Jong-Chul Park, Mi Hee Lee, Chae Eun Yang, Ju Hee Lee and Won Jai Lee
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(1), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010076 - 28 Dec 2017
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7138
Abstract
Emerging studies have revealed the involvement of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in systemic fibrotic diseases, yet its role in the cutaneous scarring process has not yet been investigated. We hypothesized that HMGB1 may promote fibroblast activity to cause abnormal cutaneous scarring. In [...] Read more.
Emerging studies have revealed the involvement of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in systemic fibrotic diseases, yet its role in the cutaneous scarring process has not yet been investigated. We hypothesized that HMGB1 may promote fibroblast activity to cause abnormal cutaneous scarring. In vitro wound healing assay with normal and keloid fibroblasts demonstrated that HMGB1 administration promoted the migration of both fibroblasts with increased speed and a greater traveling distance. Treatment of the HMGB1 inhibitor glycyrrhizic acid (GA) showed an opposing effect on both activities. To analyze the downstream mechanism, the protein levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, protein kinase B (AKT), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were measured by western blot analysis. HMGB1 increased the expression levels of ERK1/2, AKT, and NF-κB compared to the control, which was suppressed by GA. HMGB1 promoted both normal and keloid fibroblasts migration to a degree equivalent to that achieved with TGF-β. We concluded that HMGB1 activates fibroblasts via the receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE)—mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and NF-κB interaction signaling pathways. Further knowledge of the relationship of HMGB1 with skin fibrosis may lead to a promising clinical approach to manage abnormal scarring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)
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895 KiB  
Article
Novel Application of Cultured Epithelial Autografts (CEA) with Expanded Mesh Skin Grafting Over an Artificial Dermis or Dermal Wound Bed Preparation
by Sadanori Akita, Kenji Hayashida, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, Masaki Fujioka, Chikako Senju, Shin Morooka, Gozo Nishimura, Nobuhiko Mukae, Kazuo Kobayashi, Kuniaki Anraku, Ryuichi Murakami, Akiyoshi Hirano, Masao Oishi, Shintaro Ikenoya, Nobuyuki Amano, Hiroshi Nakagawa and Nagasaki University plastic surgeons group
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010057 - 25 Dec 2017
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6718
Abstract
Cultured epithelial autografts (CEA) with highly expanded mesh skin grafts were used for extensive adult burns covering more than 30% of the total body surface area. A prospective study on eight patients assessed subjective and objective findings up to a 12-month follow-up. The [...] Read more.
Cultured epithelial autografts (CEA) with highly expanded mesh skin grafts were used for extensive adult burns covering more than 30% of the total body surface area. A prospective study on eight patients assessed subjective and objective findings up to a 12-month follow-up. The results of wound healing for over 1:6 mesh plus CEA, gap 1:6 mesh plus CEA, and 1:3 mesh were compared at 3, 6, and 12 months using extensibility, viscoelasticity, color, and transepidermal water loss by a generalized estimating equation (GEE) or generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). No significant differences were observed among the paired treatments at any time point. At 6 and 12 months, over 1:6 mesh plus CEA achieved significantly better expert evaluation scores by the Vancouver and Manchester Scar Scales (p < 0.01). Extended skin grafting plus CEA minimizes donor resources and the quality of scars is equal or similar to that with conventional low extended mesh slit-thickness skin grafting such as 1:3 mesh. A longitudinal analysis of scars may further clarify the molecular changes of scar formation and pathogenesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)
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2366 KiB  
Communication
Could −79 °C Spray-Type Cryotherapy Be an Effective Monotherapy for the Treatment of Keloid?
by Tae Hwan Park, Hyeon-Ju Cho, Jang Won Lee, Chan Woo Kim, Yosep Chong, Choong Hyun Chang and Kyung-Soon Park
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(12), 2536; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18122536 - 26 Nov 2017
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6424
Abstract
Cryotherapy has been regarded as an effective modality for the treatment of keloids, and the spray-type device is one of the novel cryotherapeutic units. However, the biological mechanisms and therapeutic effects of this technique are incompletely studied. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of [...] Read more.
Cryotherapy has been regarded as an effective modality for the treatment of keloids, and the spray-type device is one of the novel cryotherapeutic units. However, the biological mechanisms and therapeutic effects of this technique are incompletely studied. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of our cryotherapy protocol with molecular and pathologic evidence for the treatment of keloids. We evenly split each of ten keloid lesions into a non-treated (C−) and treated (C+) area; the C+ area was subjected to two freeze-thaw cycles of spray-type cryotherapy using −79 °C spray-type CryoPen™. This treatment was repeated after an interval of two weeks. The proliferation and migration abilities of the fibroblasts isolated from the dermis under the cryotherapy-treated or untreated keloid tissues (at least 5 mm deep) were compared and pathologic findings of the full layer were evaluated. Molecular analysis revealed that the number of dermal fibroblasts was significantly higher in C+ group as compared with C− group. The dermal fibroblasts from C+ group showed more than two-fold increase in the migration ability as compared with the fibroblasts from C− group. The expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 was increased by more than two-fold and a significant increase in transforming growth factor beta 1 expression and Smad2/3 phosphorylation level was observed in C+ group. C+ group showed more extensive lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with thicker fibrosis and occasional “proliferating core collagen” as compared with C− group. Thus, −79 °C spray-type cryotherapy is ineffective as a monotherapy and should be used in combination with intralesional corticosteroids or botulinum toxin A for favourable outcomes in the treatment of thick keloids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)
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12726 KiB  
Article
TRPV3 Channel in Keratinocytes in Scars with Post-Burn Pruritus
by Chun Wook Park, Hyun Ji Kim, Yong Won Choi, Bo Young Chung, So-Youn Woo, Dong-Keun Song and Hye One Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(11), 2425; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18112425 - 15 Nov 2017
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6488
Abstract
Post-burn pruritus is a common and distressing sequela of burn scars. Empirical antipruritic treatments usually fail to have a satisfactory outcome because of their limited selectivity and possible side effects. Therefore, novel drug targets need to be identified. Here, we aimed to investigate [...] Read more.
Post-burn pruritus is a common and distressing sequela of burn scars. Empirical antipruritic treatments usually fail to have a satisfactory outcome because of their limited selectivity and possible side effects. Therefore, novel drug targets need to be identified. Here, we aimed to investigate the possible role of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) and transient receptor potential vanniloid 3 (TRPV3), along with the relation of TRPV3 to thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). Specimens from normal (unscarred) or burn-scarred (with or without pruritus) tissue were obtained from burn patients for this study. In each sample, the keratinocytes were isolated and cultured, and the intracellular Ca2+ level at the time of stimulation of each factor was quantified and the interaction was screened. PAR2 function was reduced by antagonism of TRPV3. Inhibiting protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) reduced TRPV3 function. TSLP mRNA and protein, and TSLPR protein expressions, increased in scars with post-burn pruritus, compared to scars without it or to normal tissues. In addition, TRPV1 or TRPV3 activation induced increased TSLP expression. Conclusively, TRPV3 may contribute to pruritus in burn scars through TSLP, and can be considered a potential therapeutic target for post-burn pruritus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)
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6571 KiB  
Article
The Role of Focal Adhesion Kinase in Keratinocyte Fibrogenic Gene Expression
by Michael Januszyk, Sun Hyung Kwon, Victor W. Wong, Jagannath Padmanabhan, Zeshaan N. Maan, Alexander J. Whittam, Melanie R. Major and Geoffrey C. Gurtner
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(9), 1915; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18091915 - 07 Sep 2017
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5689
Abstract
Abnormal skin scarring causes functional impairment, psychological stress, and high socioeconomic cost. Evidence shows that altered mechanotransduction pathways have been linked to both inflammation and fibrosis, and that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a key mediator of these processes. We investigated the importance [...] Read more.
Abnormal skin scarring causes functional impairment, psychological stress, and high socioeconomic cost. Evidence shows that altered mechanotransduction pathways have been linked to both inflammation and fibrosis, and that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a key mediator of these processes. We investigated the importance of keratinocyte FAK at the single cell level in key fibrogenic pathways critical for scar formation. Keratinocytes were isolated from wildtype and keratinocyte-specific FAK-deleted mice, cultured, and sorted into single cells. Keratinocytes were evaluated using a microfluidic-based platform for high-resolution transcriptional analysis. Partitive clustering, gene enrichment analysis, and network modeling were applied to characterize the significance of FAK on regulating keratinocyte subpopulations and fibrogenic pathways important for scar formation. Considerable transcriptional heterogeneity was observed within the keratinocyte populations. FAK-deleted keratinocytes demonstrated increased expression of genes integral to mechanotransduction and extracellular matrix production, including Igtbl, Mmpla, and Col4a1. Transcriptional activities upon FAK deletion were not identical across all single keratinocytes, resulting in higher frequency of a minor subpopulation characterized by a matrix-remodeling profile compared to wildtype keratinocyte population. The importance of keratinocyte FAK signaling gene expression was revealed. A minor subpopulation of keratinocytes characterized by a matrix-modulating profile may be a keratinocyte subset important for mechanotransduction and scar formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)
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4168 KiB  
Article
Burn Eschar Stimulates Fibroblast and Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Proliferation and Migration but Inhibits Endothelial Cell Sprouting
by Hanneke N. Monsuur, Lenie J. Van den Broek, Renushka L. Jhingoerie, Adrianus F. P. M. Vloemans and Susan Gibbs
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(8), 1790; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18081790 - 18 Aug 2017
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6120
Abstract
The majority of full-thickness burn wounds heal with hypertrophic scar formation. Burn eschar most probably influences early burn wound healing, since granulation tissue only forms after escharotomy. In order to investigate the effect of burn eschar on delayed granulation tissue formation, burn wound [...] Read more.
The majority of full-thickness burn wounds heal with hypertrophic scar formation. Burn eschar most probably influences early burn wound healing, since granulation tissue only forms after escharotomy. In order to investigate the effect of burn eschar on delayed granulation tissue formation, burn wound extract (BWE) was isolated from the interface between non-viable eschar and viable tissue. The influence of BWE on the activity of endothelial cells derived from dermis and adipose tissue, dermal fibroblasts and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASC) was determined. It was found that BWE stimulated endothelial cell inflammatory cytokine (CXCL8, IL-6 and CCL2) secretion and migration. However, BWE had no effect on endothelial cell proliferation or angiogenic sprouting. Indeed, BWE inhibited basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) induced endothelial cell proliferation and sprouting. In contrast, BWE stimulated fibroblast and ASC proliferation and migration. No difference was observed between cells isolated from dermis or adipose tissue. The inhibitory effect of BWE on bFGF-induced endothelial proliferation and sprouting would explain why excessive granulation tissue formation is prevented in full-thickness burn wounds as long as the eschar is still present. Identifying the eschar factors responsible for this might give indications for therapeutic targets aimed at reducing hypertrophic scar formation which is initiated by excessive granulation tissue formation once eschar is removed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)
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12775 KiB  
Article
Scar Prevention and Enhanced Wound Healing Induced by Polydeoxyribonucleotide in a Rat Incisional Wound-Healing Model
by Woonhyeok Jeong, Chae Eun Yang, Tai Suk Roh, Jun Hyung Kim, Ju Hee Lee and Won Jai Lee
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(8), 1698; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18081698 - 03 Aug 2017
Cited by 55 | Viewed by 8719
Abstract
High-mobility group box protein-1 (HMGB-1) plays a central role in the inflammatory network, and uncontrolled chronic inflammation can lead to excessive scarring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) on scar formation. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = [...] Read more.
High-mobility group box protein-1 (HMGB-1) plays a central role in the inflammatory network, and uncontrolled chronic inflammation can lead to excessive scarring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) on scar formation. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30) underwent dorsal excision of the skin, followed by skin repair. PDRN (8 mg/kg) was administered via intraperitoneal injection for three (PDRN-3 group, n = 8) or seven (PDRN-7 group, n = 8) days, and HMGB-1 was administered via intradermal injection in addition to PDRN treatment for three days (PDRN-3+HMGB-1 group; n = 6). The scar-reducing effects of PDRN were evaluated in the internal scar area and by inflammatory cell counts using histology and immunohistochemistry. Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays were performed to observe changes in type I and type III collagen and the expression of HMGB-1 and CD45. Treatment with PDRN significantly reduced the scar area, inflammatory cell infiltration and the number of CD45-positive cells. In addition, the increased expression of HMGB-1 observed in the sham group was significantly reduced after treatment with PDRN. Rats administered HMGB-1 in addition to PDRN exhibited scar areas with inflammatory cell infiltration similar to the sham group, and the collagen synthesis effects of PDRN were reversed. In summary, PDRN exerts anti-inflammatory and collagen synthesis effects via HMGB-1 suppression, preventing scar formation. Thus, we believe that the anti-inflammatory and collagen synthesis effects of PDRN resulted in faster wound healing and decreased scar formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)
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6927 KiB  
Article
Effects of Gelatin Hydrogel Containing Anti-Transforming Growth Factor-β Antibody in a Canine Filtration Surgery Model
by Michiko Maeda, Shota Kojima, Tetsuya Sugiyama, Denan Jin, Shinji Takai, Hidehiro Oku, Ryohsuke Kohmoto, Mari Ueki and Tsunehiko Ikeda
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(5), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18050985 - 05 May 2017
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3892
Abstract
In this present study, we investigated the effect of a controlled release of anti-transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) antibody on intraocular pressure (IOP), bleb formation, and conjunctival scarring in a canine glaucoma filtration surgery model using gelatin hydrogel (GH). Glaucoma surgery models were [...] Read more.
In this present study, we investigated the effect of a controlled release of anti-transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) antibody on intraocular pressure (IOP), bleb formation, and conjunctival scarring in a canine glaucoma filtration surgery model using gelatin hydrogel (GH). Glaucoma surgery models were made in 14 eyes of 14 beagles and divided into the following two groups: (1) subconjunctival implantation of anti-TGF-β antibody-loaded GH (GH-TGF-β group, n = 7), and (2) subconjunctival implantation of GH alone (GH group, n = 7). IOP and bleb features were then assessed in each eye at 2- and 4-weeks postoperative, followed by histological evaluation. We found that IOP was significantly reduced at 4-weeks postoperative in the two groups (p < 0.05) and that IOP in the GH-TGF-β-group eyes was significantly lower than that in the GH-group eyes (p = 0.006). In addition, the bleb score at 4-weeks postoperative was significantly higher in the GH-TGF-β group than in the GH group (p < 0.05), and the densities of fibroblasts, proliferative-cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells, mast cells, and TGF-β-positive cells were significantly lower in the GH-TGF-β group than in the GH group. The findings of this study suggest that, compared with the GH-group eyes, implantation of anti-TGF-β antibody-loaded GH maintains IOP reduction and bleb formation by suppressing conjunctival scarring due to the proliferation of fibroblasts for a longer time period via a sustained release of anti-TGF-β antibody from GH. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

19 pages, 1344 KiB  
Review
Recent Understandings of Biology, Prophylaxis and Treatment Strategies for Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids
by Ho Jun Lee and Yong Ju Jang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(3), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19030711 - 02 Mar 2018
Cited by 294 | Viewed by 16194
Abstract
Hypertrophic scars and keloids are fibroproliferative disorders that may arise after any deep cutaneous injury caused by trauma, burns, surgery, etc. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are cosmetically problematic, and in combination with functional problems such as contractures and subjective symptoms including pruritus, these [...] Read more.
Hypertrophic scars and keloids are fibroproliferative disorders that may arise after any deep cutaneous injury caused by trauma, burns, surgery, etc. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are cosmetically problematic, and in combination with functional problems such as contractures and subjective symptoms including pruritus, these significantly affect patients’ quality of life. There have been many studies on hypertrophic scars and keloids; but the mechanisms underlying scar formation have not yet been well established, and prophylactic and treatment strategies remain unsatisfactory. In this review, the authors introduce and summarize classical concepts surrounding wound healing and review recent understandings of the biology, prevention and treatment strategies for hypertrophic scars and keloids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)
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246 KiB  
Review
Estrogen Effects on Wound Healing
by Huann-Cheng Horng, Wen-Hsun Chang, Chang-Ching Yeh, Ben-Shian Huang, Chia-Pei Chang, Yi-Jen Chen, Kuan-Hao Tsui and Peng-Hui Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(11), 2325; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18112325 - 03 Nov 2017
Cited by 116 | Viewed by 8109
Abstract
Wound healing is a physiological process, involving three successive and overlapping phases—hemostasis/inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling—to maintain the integrity of skin after trauma, either by accident or by procedure. Any disruption or unbalanced distribution of these processes might result in abnormal wound healing. Many [...] Read more.
Wound healing is a physiological process, involving three successive and overlapping phases—hemostasis/inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling—to maintain the integrity of skin after trauma, either by accident or by procedure. Any disruption or unbalanced distribution of these processes might result in abnormal wound healing. Many molecular and clinical data support the effects of estrogen on normal skin homeostasis and wound healing. Estrogen deficiency, for example in postmenopausal women, is detrimental to wound healing processes, notably inflammation and re-granulation, while exogenous estrogen treatment may reverse these effects. Understanding the role of estrogen on skin might provide further opportunities to develop estrogen-related therapy for assistance in wound healing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)
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4397 KiB  
Review
Imaging Collagen in Scar Tissue: Developments in Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy for Biomedical Applications
by Leila Mostaço-Guidolin, Nicole L. Rosin and Tillie-Louise Hackett
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2017, 18(8), 1772; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18081772 - 15 Aug 2017
Cited by 100 | Viewed by 16163
Abstract
The ability to respond to injury with tissue repair is a fundamental property of all multicellular organisms. The extracellular matrix (ECM), composed of fibrillar collagens as well as a number of other components is dis-regulated during repair in many organs. In many tissues, [...] Read more.
The ability to respond to injury with tissue repair is a fundamental property of all multicellular organisms. The extracellular matrix (ECM), composed of fibrillar collagens as well as a number of other components is dis-regulated during repair in many organs. In many tissues, scaring results when the balance is lost between ECM synthesis and degradation. Investigating what disrupts this balance and what effect this can have on tissue function remains an active area of research. Recent advances in the imaging of fibrillar collagen using second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging have proven useful in enhancing our understanding of the supramolecular changes that occur during scar formation and disease progression. Here, we review the physical properties of SHG, and the current nonlinear optical microscopy imaging (NLOM) systems that are used for SHG imaging. We provide an extensive review of studies that have used SHG in skin, lung, cardiovascular, tendon and ligaments, and eye tissue to understand alterations in fibrillar collagens in scar tissue. Lastly, we review the current methods of image analysis that are used to extract important information about the role of fibrillar collagens in scar formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Scar Biology)
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