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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
08:20
In Vitro Model of Human Cutaneous Hypertrophic Scarring using Macromolecular Crowding
Published on: May 1, 2020
Inadequate blood supply persists in keloids
Koichi Ueda1, Yoshiko Yasuda, Eisuke Furuya
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Osaka Medical College, Osaka 569-8686, Japan. pla007@poh.osaka-med.ac.jp
Summary
Keloid tissue has high adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, likely from anaerobic glycolysis due to poor blood supply. Reduced vessel size and number in keloids may limit oxygen perfusion, persisting over time.
Area of Science:
- Wound healing research
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Keloids exhibit persistently high adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels.
- Anaerobic glycolysis is a potential source of ATP in keloid tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate vascular characteristics and lactate concentrations in keloids compared to other scar types.
- To elucidate the relationship between vascularity, lactate, and ATP production in keloids.
Main Methods:
- Vessel counting in a defined area for keloids, hypertrophic scars, and atrophic scars.
- Immunohistopathological measurement of internal vessel lumen cross-sectional areas.
- Quantification of lactate concentrations in different scar types.
Main Results:
- Keloids showed the lowest mean vessel count and mean internal vessel area.
- Lactate concentration was highest in keloids (39.4 mmol/g protein) compared to red (23.8), pink (23.8), and white scars (13.3).
- These findings suggest impaired oxygen perfusion in keloids.
Conclusions:
- ATP in keloids is likely produced via anaerobic glycolysis.
- Reduced and narrowed blood vessels contribute to inadequate and persistent blood supply in keloids.
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