[Characteristics of P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun expression in hypertrophic scar and their effects on scar formation].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the protein expression of phosphorylated form of P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(P38MAPK) and c-Jun in hypertrophic scar skin and to explore their influences on the formation and maturation of hypertrophic scar.

METHODS

The expression intensity and distribution of phosphorylated form of P38MAPK and c-Jun were examined with immunohistochemistry and pathological methods in 16 cases of hypertrophic scar skin and 8 cases of normal skin.

RESULTS

In normal skin, the positive signals of phosphorylated form of P38MAPK mostly distributed in basal lamina cells of epidermis, while c-Jun was mainly located in epidermal cells and endothelial cells. The positive cellular rates of two proteins were 21.3% +/- 3.6% and 33.4% +/- 3.5% respectively. In proliferative hypertrophic scar skin, the particles of phosphorylated P38MAPK and c-Jun were mainly located in epidermal cells and some fibroblasts. The positive cellular rates of two proteins were significantly elevated to 69.5% +/- 3.3% and 59.6% +/- 4.3% respectively (P < 0.01). In mature hypertrophic scar, the expression of these proteins decreased but was still higher than that of normal skin.

CONCLUSION

The formation and maturation of hypertrophic scar might be associated with the alteration of phosphorylated P38MAPK and c-Jun protein expression in hypertrophic scar.