Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in keloids: a clinicopathologic study

Despite their benign nature, keloids are usually associated with considerable cosmetic effects and may lead to functional problems. Recently, it has been reported that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic factor, is overexpressed in keloid tissue and may have a potential role in its evolution.

Twenty patients with keloids were included in this study and classified into two groups according to the treatment received: intralesional triamcinolone acetonide 20 mg/mL (group 1) and cryotherapy spray technique (group 2). Treatment was continued until clearance or for a maximum of six sessions, and the follow-up period was 1 year. Skin biopsies were taken from patients before and after treatment to evaluate keloid pathology and from patients and 10 healthy controls to detect the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF.

Histopathologic examination revealed a remarkable resolution of the nodular arrangement of collagen after therapy, particularly in group 1. A statistically significant difference in VEGF expression was found between patients before therapy and controls, and between patients before and after therapy in each group. There was no significant difference in the treatment outcome between intralesional steroids and cryotherapy. No significant correlation was observed between the clinical variables of keloids and both VEGF expression and clinical response to therapy.

VEGF seems to play an important role in the pathogenesis of keloids and may be a useful guide in the evaluation of keloid therapeutics. Modulation of its production may provide a valuable treatment for keloids.