The expression of HIF-1alpha in scars and its relationship to apoptosis / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of hypoxic environment lessening in the course of scar maturation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and p53 in granulation of burn wound, burn scars of different stages, and normal skin was detected with immunohistochemical staining. The expressions were quantified by the weight method. The relationship between HIF-1alpha and p53 was investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With the scar maturation, the expression of HIF-1alpha gradually decreased while the expression of p53 gradually increased within one year. There was a negative correlation between HIF-1alpha and p53 (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>p53 plays an important role in scar maturation. Associated with p53, HIF-1alpha may induce apoptosis, which decreases oxygen consumption and lightens hypoxia in the scar maturation.</p>