[A study on the expressions and the correlation of TGF-beta and alpha-SMA in scars].
OBJECTIVE
To detect the expressions of TGF-beta(TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3) and alpha-SMA and to investigate the probable effects of TGF-beta in the formation of hypertrophic scars as well as the expression of alpha-SMA in the scars.


METHODS
28 samples of hypertrophic scars, 19 samples of flat scars and 16 samples of normal skin have been examined immunohistochemically for the expressions of TGF-beta and alpha-SMA. Then a statistical and correlative analysis was carried out among the groups based on patient age, sex and scarring time.


RESULTS
1. TGF-beta and alpha-SMA have no expression in normal skin, but have varied expressions in hypertrophic scars and flat scars. 2. TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 and alpha-SMA expressed highly in hypertrophic scar in comparison with normal skin and flat scar with a significantly statistical difference (P < 0.01). 3. There was a high expression of TGF-beta 3 in the flat scar and some hypertrophic scar that were from the female group or the scar over one year. 4. There was no statistical difference between the groups of teenage and adults. 5. The correlative analysis of TGF-beta to alpha-SMA demonstrated that the algebraic value of TGF-beta 1 + TGF-beta 2 - TGF-beta 3 correlates positively to alpha-SMA (r = 0.57). TGF-beta 3 correlates negatively to alpha-SMA(r = -0.80).


CONCLUSIONS
1. The formation and contraction of scar result from the synergic effects of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3. TGF beta 1, TGF-beta 2 correlate the hyperplasia and contraction of scar, whereas TGF-beta 3 correlates the maturing of scar. To suppress the expression of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 or promote the expression of TGF-beta 3 would be beneficial to prevention of hyperplasia and contraction of scar. 2. It is reasonable to postulate that the female have stronger resistance to scar hyperplasia in that they have stronger expression of TGF-beta 3, which deserves further clinical observation and investigation. 3. The age has no influence on the expression of TGF-beta and alpha-SMA.
Tian
Y
Y
Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Corps Hospital, Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Guangzhou 510507, PR China.
Tang
S
S
Luo
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S
D000199:Actins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D000199:Actins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta