Abstract
Scar formation is considered as an integrative part of the complex and dynamic process of normal physiological wound healing to restore skin integrity following injury and is referred as to the maturation phase. This phase is dominated by fibroblasts. The pivotal feature of this process is the synthesis, deposition, and remodeling of collagen, the major structural substance of connective tissue. The collagen deposition in normal wound healing peaks by the third week after injury. Collagen remodeling is characterized by a (balanced) continuous synthesis and degradation of collagen and is observed already early during the wound healing process. The degradation of wound collagen is controlled by a variety of enzymes such as collagenases (e. g. MMP-1) derived from granulocytes, macrophages, keratinocytes and fibroblasts. On the other hand the expression and activity of collagenases is tightly controlled by cytokines.
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Teot, L., Otman, S., Brancati, A., Mittermayr, R. (2012). Burn scar treatment. In: Kamolz, LP., Jeschke, M.G., Horch, R.E., Küntscher, M., Brychta, P. (eds) Handbook of Burns. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-0315-9_5
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