Effect of transforming growth factor-beta1 antisense oligonucleotides on matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in keloid fibroblasts.

Objective: To identify changes in the expression of matrixmetalloproteinases (MMPs) and their specific inhibitors tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) after targeting of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) with antisense oligonucleotides.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: The study was performed on tissue samples from nine patients with keloid scars after otoplasty presenting to the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department of the University Hospital in Mannheim, Germany.