The scarring processes in mucosal tissues after immune injury.
OBJECTIVE
An important feature of the healing processes is scar formation which may be necessary for organism survival. If it proceeds to the pathological state, it may impair normal function. The purpose of this review is to focus on some of the factors that may influence this process after immune injury, comparing it in the skin and mucosa.


METHODS
A detailed literature search of peer-reviewed journals was conducted. Studies reported in all languages considered relevant and important were used, including humans, animals, and tissue culture.


RESULTS
Analysis of the data indicate that the scarring process is mainly dependent on (1) the type of the lesion, (2) the cause and duration of injury, and (3) the tissue involved and its microenvironment. Equally important is the large spectrum and heterogenicity in the biological activity of fibroblasts and their role in scar formation.


CONCLUSIONS
The process of scar formation is complex and multistep process and is affected and influenced by local and systemic factors. Although it appears irreversible, there are pharmacological agents available, and under investigation, that may minimize its detrimental effects.
Lalani
T
T
Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Bhol
K
K
Khan
I U
IU
Ahmed
A R
AR
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D014945:Wound Healing