RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Keloids cause cosmetic problems, pain, and pruritus. Different modes of therapy are limited by their efficacy and side effects. High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) may play a role in keloid pathogenesis; therefore, the therapeutic potential of box A1, an antireceptor of advanced glycation end products antibody, and other inhibitors of HMGB1 may play a role in the treatment of keloids. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the role of HMGB1 in patients with keloids by comparing their serum level with healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with keloids and 40 controls were enrolled in this study. Detailed history and clinical evaluation were performed. A 3-mL sample of whole blood was obtained from both patient groups and centrifuged immediately. The resultant supernatant serum was frozen at -20°C for the detection and quantification of HMGB1 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant elevation in the mean value of HMGB1 in keloid cases (74.38 ± 40.16) compared with the mean value of the controls (52.00 ± 5.41; P = .001). Mean value of HMGB1 was positively correlated with keloid severity. CONCLUSIONS: High-mobility group box 1 was found to be elevated in patients with keloids compared with their controls, suggesting its role in excessive scarring and the role of its antagonists in therapy.
