title: The molecular mechanism of hypertrophic scar.
abstract: Hypertrophic scar (HTS) is a dermal form of fibroproliferative disorder which often develops after thermal or traumatic injury to the deep regions of the skin and is characterized by excessive deposition and alterations in morphology of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. HTS are cosmetically disfiguring and can cause functional problems that often recur despite surgical attempts to remove or improve the scars. In this review, the roles of various fibrotic and anti-fibrotic molecules are discussed in order to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism of the pathogenesis of HTS. These molecules include growth factors, cytokines, ECM molecules, and proteolytic enzymes. By exploring the mechanisms of this form of dermal fibrosis, we seek to provide some insight into this form of dermal fibrosis that may allow clinicians to improve treatment and prevention in the future.
authors.affiliation: Wound Healing Research Group, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, WMC 2D2.28, 8440-112 Street, Edmonton AB, Canada, T6G 2B7.
authors.forename: Zhensen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Heather A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Shankowsky
authors.forename: Edward E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Tredget