Role of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 Alpha (HIF-1α) in Cytoglobin Expression and Fibroblast Proliferation of Keloids.

Background: Keloids are characterized by an overabundance of collagen deposition due to elevated activity and proliferation of fibroblasts, which lead to hypoxic conditions. Adaptation to these conditions is regulated by the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Cytoglobin (Cygb), a reactive oxygen species scavenger, is a target gene of HIF-1α.