Proteomic analysis between keloid and normal skin / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate and search correlative proteins of keloid by comparing the results of differential proteomic analysis between keloid and normal skin.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2010 to June 2010 two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to define patterns of protein expression in keloid skin from 8 patients and matched normal skin from 3 patients. Differential expression protein spots were showed and analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flying/time of flying (MALDI-TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>This study succeeded to provide a two-dimensional protein profiling comparison between normal skin and keloid. Gel-analysis software identified an average of 2978 spots in keloid while 3053 spots in normal skin and statistical filtering yielded 40 spots of a 4-fold change, 32 of which were identified by using mass spectrometry, 20 were up-regulated and 12 were down-regulated. Functional analysis revealed that these proteins could be fractionated to carrier proteins (3 proteins), signal transduction proteins (4 proteins), proliferation and apoptosis related proteins (2 proteins), cytoskeleton proteins (6 proteins), extracellular matrix proteins (8 proteins), immunity related proteins (3 proteins), tumor related proteins (2 proteins), and function unknown protein (4 proteins).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Proteomic analysis can identify the proteins with variance of keloid versus normal skin. The further research to these differential proteins may help reveal the pathogenesis of keloid and provide new treatments for keloid.</p>

Expression of Smads in keloid scarring / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the differential expression of different types of Smads in keloids, normal scars and normal skins and its possible clinicopathological significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>RT-PCR and Western blot methods were used to examine the expression of Smads mRNA and proteins level in 10 cases of keloid, in 10 cases of normal scar and in 10 cases of normal skin tissues and fibroblasts. Fibroblasts of keloid, normal scar and normal skin were cultured in vitro. The expression difference were compared and analyzed by t-test, there was statistical difference when P < 0.05.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA and protein expression of inhibitory Smad7 were significantly down regulated in keloid compared with normal scar (P < 0.05) and normal skin (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference of the mRNA and protein expression of Smad2, 3 and the protein expression of phosphorylation of Smad2, 3 in keloid, normal scar, normal skin tissues and fibroblasts.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The decreased expression of Smad7 in keloid might play a significant role in the increased TGF-beta1/Smads signal transduction, which can not be terminated by autologous negative feedback cycle.</p>

Observation of the effect of the mixed composite skin graft on deep partial thickness burn wounds / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of mixed composite skin graft on the deep partial thickness burn wounds after tangential excision in burn patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Tangential excision was performed in 30 extremities of 23 burn patients within 3 postburn days (PBDs). Then large pieces of homologous acellular dermal matrix were grafted onto the superficial fascia with razor thin autoskin on top of them. The survival rate of skin grafts, the appearance and the functional recovery of the extremities were observed on 10 to 12 post operative day (POD). Skin samples from a healed wound of a patient were harvested three months after the injury for pathologic examination.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The survival rate of the composite skin grafts was 93%. Necrosis was encountered in 7% of the grafts in the lower extremities due to the poor fixation of the grafts leading to separation of autologous skin and the dermal template, and also due to infection resulting in lysis of the grafts. The grafted skin was excellent in the appearance and elasticity, and function of the injured extremities recovered well after grafting after 3 - 6 months of follow-up. Epidermal and dermal texture was also good as shown by pathologic examination.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Mixed composite skin grafting after early tangential excision might be an ideal and effective method in the management of deep partial thickness burn wounds.</p>