Cytokines, chemokines and growth factors involved in keloids pathogenesis

Abstract

Keloid is a common fibrotic disease, which is difficult to treat. It often causes itching and pain, which greatly disturbs patients in their work and daily life and causing difficulties in social interaction. Its pathogenesis is not clear, but may be related to several aspects: genetic susceptibility, environmental, immunological and endocrine factors, trauma and tension. The central point of its pathogenesis is the excessive proliferation of fibroblasts, with excessive synthesis and secretion of extracellular matrix such as collagen. However, the cause of fibroblast excessive proliferation and differentiation is not clear. Immune abnormalities may play an important role, with cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and other important immune molecules acting on fibroblasts. This paper presents a detailed and comprehensive literature review on this subject.

Keywords: Chemokines; Cytokines; Growth factors; Keloid.

Figure 1

Schematic representation of key factors in keloid pathogenesis. The imbalance of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines exists in all stages of wound healing, acting on skin fibroblasts, involving in skin tissue remodeling, and promoting the formation of keloids in severe conditions. Chemokines and growth factors also contribute to inflammatory processes, stimulating the chemotaxis of inflammatory cells that then further secrete proinflammatory cytokines, and stimulate fibroblasts, thus creating a vicious circle that poses a major challenge in treating and slowing the progression of keloid. bFGF, basic Fibroblast Growth Factor; ECM, Extracellular Matrix; EGF, Epidermal Growth Factor; IL, Interleukin; TGF-β, Transforming Growth Factor-β; VEGF, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor.

Figure 2

Cytokines, Chemokines and Growth Factors in Keloid. There are many different kinds of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors involved in the pathogenesis of keloid.