The Anti-Scar Effects of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on the Wound Repair In Vitro and In Vivo

Abstract

Hypertrophic scars (HTS) and keloids are challenging problems. Their pathogenesis results from an overproduction of fibroblasts and excessive deposition of collagen. Studies suggest a possible anti-scarring effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) during wound healing, but the precise mechanisms of bFGF are still unclear. In view of this, we investigated the therapeutic effects of bFGF on HTS animal model as well as human scar fibroblasts (HSF) model. We show that bFGF promoted wound healing and reduced the area of flattened non-pathological scars in rat skin wounds and HTS in the rabbit ear. We provide evidence of a new therapeutic strategy: bFGF administration for the treatment of HTS. The scar elevation index (SEI) and epidermal thickness index (ETI) was also significantly reduced. Histological reveal that bFGF exhibited significant amelioration of the collagen tissue. bFGF regulated extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation via interference in the collagen distribution, the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-β1) expression. In addition, bFGF reduced scarring and promoted wound healing by inhibiting TGFβ1/SMAD-dependent pathway. The levels of fibronectin (FN), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) collagen I, and collagen III were evidently decreased, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and apoptosis cells were markedly increased. These results suggest that bFGF possesses favorable therapeutic effects on hypertrophic scars in vitro and in vivo, which may be an effective cure for human hypertrophic scars.

Alternative method of treating prolonged wound defects of trunk and extremities

“…In this case, the relative area of accumulation of collagen type I was lower than in the previous group and amounted to 19.01 (14.80; 22.73) % and collagen type III -26.67 (25.11; 33.01) %. This way it was found that in the dermis of the most patients in this group a significant accumulation of collagen type III was observed, which usually occurs at the early stages of regeneration than collagen type I that according to the data of the other studies is revealed in immature connective tissue [13] and is explained by the early stages of surgical interventions and the intake of skin biopsy material after tissue damage in this group of patients.…”

TGF-β1-Induced Pulmonary Fibroblasts Proliferation and Differentiation Are Inhibited by Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotide of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

“…During embryonic development, FGFs play key roles in regulating cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. In adult tissues, FGFs are homeostatic factors and have important functions in mitogenesis, cellular migration, differentiation, angiogenesis, and wound healing (Yun et al 2010, Moya et al 2010, Shi et al 2013. In the family of FGFs, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is the most studied factor.…”

Effect of Thymoquinone on Wound Healing in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

“…Excisional wounds were made as previously described with slight modifications [15]. Dorsal skin was shaved using electric razor and cleaned using repeated application of ethanol.…”