Effects of basic fibroblast growth factors on hypertrophic scarring in a rabbit ear model.
BACKGROUND
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was clinically proven to accelerate acute and chronic wound healing. Accelerated wound healing may lead to improved scarring. These studies suggested a possible antiscarring effect of bFGF during wound healing. Little was known about the precise pathologic mechanisms of bFGF on scarring formation.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bFGF on hypertrophic scarring in a rabbit ear model and clarify the mechanism of bFGF on scar treatment.


METHODS
The rabbit model of hypertrophic scarring was created and received of a low- or high-dose topical treatment three times daily for 1, 2, or 3 months. Then we examined the changes in the macroscopic and histopathologic characteristics of the scars. The expression of collagen, alpha(1)beta(2) integrin, and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) was studied by applying reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting.


RESULTS
High-dose bFGF remarkably alleviated the scar in the rabbit ear model and decreased collagen type I expression. Further study revealed that bFGF remarkably enhanced MMP-1 and decreased alpha(1)beta(2) integrin expression.


CONCLUSIONS
This study supports the hypothesis that bFGF exerted a net negative effect on collagen remodeling, therefore suggesting a potential antiscarring role.
Xie
Julin
J
Department of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital, and Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
Qi
Shaohai
S
Xu
Yingbin
Y
Tang
Jingming
J
Li
Tianzeng
T
Liu
Xusheng
X
Shu
Bin
B
Liang
Huizhen
H
Huang
Bing
B
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D004431:Ear, External; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016023:Integrins / Q000378:metabolism; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / Q000378:metabolism; D011817:Rabbits; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D016023:Integrins; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D003094:Collagen; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1