[Expression of connective tissue growth factor gene in the hypertrophic scar and keloid tissue].

Objective: To explore the effect of connective tissue growth factor on the pathogenesis of hypertrophic scar and keloid tissue.

Methods: The content of hydroxyproline was determined and the expression of connective tissue growth factor gene was detected by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and image analysis technique in 5 normal skins, 15 hypertrophic scars and 7 keloid tissues.

Results: The contents of hydroxyproline in the hypertrophic scar (84.10 +/- 1.76) and keloid tissue (92.38 +/- 2.04) were significantly higher than that of normal skin tissue (26.52 +/- 4.10) (P < 0.01). The index of connective tissue growth factor mRNA in the hypertrophic scar (0.78 +/- 0.63) and keloid tissue (0.84 +/- 0.04) were higher than that of normal skin tissue (0.09 +/- 0.25) (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: Connective tissue growth factor may play an important role in promoting the fibrotic process of hypertrophic scar and keloid tissue.