Effects of basic fibroblast growth factors on hypertrophic scarring in a rabbit ear model

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was clinically proven to accelerate acute and chronic wound healing. Accelerated wound healing may lead to improved scarring. These studies suggested a possible antiscarring effect of bFGF during wound healing. Little was known about the precise pathologic mechanisms of bFGF on scarring formation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bFGF on hypertrophic scarring in a rabbit ear model and clarify the mechanism of bFGF on scar treatment.

The rabbit model of hypertrophic scarring was created and received of a low- or high-dose topical treatment three times daily for 1, 2, or 3 months. Then we examined the changes in the macroscopic and histopathologic characteristics of the scars. The expression of collagen, alpha(1)beta(2) integrin, and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) was studied by applying reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting.

High-dose bFGF remarkably alleviated the scar in the rabbit ear model and decreased collagen type I expression. Further study revealed that bFGF remarkably enhanced MMP-1 and decreased alpha(1)beta(2) integrin expression.

This study supports the hypothesis that bFGF exerted a net negative effect on collagen remodeling, therefore suggesting a potential antiscarring role.