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Disruptions during wound healing phases (inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling) can result in scar formation. Higher levels of inflammatory markers (TGF-β1, TGF- β2, VEGF) and type 1 collagen are present in scars. Current treatments for scars include pressure garments, corticosteroids, laser therapy, and scar excision. Current research explores Yes-associated protein and harnesses TGF-β inhibition to reduce scaring.view more 

Credit: Shi Fu, Niharika Singh, Shiffoni Sukhlal, Huiting Luo, Divleen K. Singh, Mimi R Borrelli, Duc Bui, Sami Khan, Alexander B. Dagum and Gurtej Singh*/ Stony Brook University, USA

In a study published in the journal Biofunctional Materials, researchers review different types of scars along with their various aspects and existing treatment options. New therapies that have the potential to reduce scar formation through skin regeneration were explored, in an effort to prevent scarring in the future.

Scars can present as functional concerns for patients. They can also affect patients negatively by becoming aesthetic and psychological concerns. There are different types of scars including immature, mature, atrophic, hypertrophic, and keloid scars. Atrophic scars are abnormal. Hypertrophic scars are raised but do not extend beyond the injury site. On the other hand, keloids do extend beyond the injury site.

There are three phases of wound healing: the inflammatory phase, the proliferative phase, and the remodeling phase. Normally in the inflammatory phase, growth factors are secreted to allow for cell proliferation and angiogenesis, which is the formation of blood vessels from vessels that already exist. However, when hypertrophic and keloid scars form, certain growth factors are upregulated. Normally in the proliferative phase, angiogenesis and the depositing of collagen occur. However, when hypertrophic and keloid scars form, an excess of a growth factor called VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) leads to more collagen being produced. Normally in the remodeling phase, scar formation occurs. However, when hypertrophic and keloid scars form, since more collagen is made, the scar formation is abnormal.

In comparison to keloid scars, hypertrophic scars respond better to treatment. It is important to moisturize and maintain a clean environment for preventing both types of scars. The most common treatments for hypertrophic scars are compression therapy, gel sheeting, and corticosteroids applied topically or directly into the skin lesion. If these methods are not effective, laser therapy or surgical intervention can be used. Some of the most common treatments for keloids include surgical excision and steroids applied directly into the skin lesion.

New therapeutic targets for treating scars were explored. By balancing the usage of VEGF inhibitors and administration of a growth factor called TGF-β3, it is possible to improve scarring and promote skin regeneration.

This paper“ Erase the trace: new frontiers in scar prevention and skin repair”was published in Biofunctional Materials.

Fu S, Singh N, Sukhlal S, Luo H, Singh DK, et al. Erase the trace: new frontiers in scar prevention and skin repair. Biofunct. Mater. 2024(2):0009, https://doi.org/10.55092/bm20240009. 

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Journal

Biofunctional Materials

DOI

10.55092/bm20240009 

Method of Research

Literature review

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Erase the trace: new frontiers in scar prevention and skin repair

Article Publication Date

18-Nov-2024