Research advances in the pathogenesis and photodynamic therapy of pathological scars

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Pathological scars like hypertrophic scars and keloids result from complex factors including fibroblast dysfunction, extracellular matrix (ECM) imbalance, chronic inflammation, and genetic predisposition.
• Aberrant signaling pathways (e.g., TGF-β/Smad, JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt/mTOR), epigenetic modifications, and biomechanical forces contribute to scar pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in understanding pathological scar formation.
• To summarize the current state and future directions of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treating pathological scars.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on scar pathogenesis.
• Analysis of photodynamic therapy mechanisms and recent technological improvements.

Main Results:

• Pathological scar formation is multifactorial, involving cellular dysfunction, signaling pathway dysregulation, and environmental factors.
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) effectively treats scars by inducing fibroblast apoptosis, inhibiting collagen synthesis, and modulating inflammation and angiogenesis.
• Novel photosensitizers and nanotechnology-based delivery systems enhance PDT efficacy and precision.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the complex pathogenesis of pathological scars is crucial for developing effective treatments.
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) presents a promising, minimally invasive therapeutic option for pathological scars, with ongoing innovations poised to further optimize its clinical application.