Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

In Vitro Model of Human Cutaneous Hypertrophic Scarring using Macromolecular Crowding
Published on: May 1, 2020
[The dynamic expression of TNF-alpha mRNA of hypertrophic scars and its roles]
Jian-lin Zhang1, Zi-hao Lin, Hua Jiang
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University of PLA, Shanghai 200003, China.
Objective:
To investigate the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha: TNF-alpha in the hypertrophic scar and find a valid way to treat the hypertrophic scars with gene therapy.
Methods:
TNF-alpha mRNA expression was tested with a semiquantitative reverse polymerase chain reation (RT-PCR) method in the different period of a hypertrophic scar.
Results:
There was a significant increase of TNF-alpha mRNA as the hypertrophic scar was getting mature (P < 0.01). However, the ratios of TNF-alpha mRNA was significantly in a lower level than the normal scar.
Conclusions:
The results suggest that TNF-alpha may play an important role in normal would healing, but the hypertrophic scar may result from the shortage of the TNF-alpha. This indicates that to increase the TNF-alpha with gene therapy may be a good way to treat the hyphertrophic scar.
Related Concept Videos
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Healing II: Complications
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
A...
Cellular Adaptation II: Hypertrophy

