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Tissue Scarring, Fibrosis and Regeneration

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Dermatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2025) | Viewed by 8641

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine, Medical Science I, Room 6447, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0609, USA
Interests: dermatology; skin aging; wound healing; ECM; skin cancer
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fibrotic scarring represents a prevalent pathological consequence in numerous chronic diseases, manifesting in nearly every tissue throughout the body as a response to injury or illness. This phenomenon can result in structural abnormalities within tissues, organ dysfunction, and enduring disability, posing a substantial challenge to public health. Despite gaining increasing recognition as a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in chronic diseases, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms hampers the development of effective treatments to target fibrosis pathogenesis.

We welcome authors to contribute papers to our Special Issue, focusing on the latest advancements in both basic and clinical research related to tissue wound healing, scarring, and regeneration. We eagerly anticipate receiving your submissions and look forward to compiling an informative and insightful collection of articles.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Dermatopathology.

Prof. Dr. Taihao Quan
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Keywords

  • wound scar
  • fibrosis
  • regeneration
  • fibroblasts
  • extracellular matrix

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 5681 KiB  
Article
Intermittent Pneumatic Impulse Compression in the Treatment of Stasis Dermatitis—A Monocenter Randomized Controlled Trial
by Sarah Janßen, Julia Schmölders, Theresa Maria Jansen, Neslihan Ertas, Julian-Dario Rembe, Bernhard Homey and Norman-Philipp Hoff
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(10), 3321; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14103321 - 9 May 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Intermittent pneumatic impulse compression (IIC) is a well-established drainage treatment that reduces edema and enhances arterial blood flow. While widely utilized in various medical fields, its efficacy in dermatology, particularly for stasis dermatitis, remains underexplored. This study evaluates the effectiveness of IIC [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Intermittent pneumatic impulse compression (IIC) is a well-established drainage treatment that reduces edema and enhances arterial blood flow. While widely utilized in various medical fields, its efficacy in dermatology, particularly for stasis dermatitis, remains underexplored. This study evaluates the effectiveness of IIC in inpatients with bilateral stasis dermatitis by comparing standard therapy alone versus standard therapy with additional IIC on one leg over five days. Methods: Seventeen patients from the Dermatology Department at University Hospital Duesseldorf were enrolled. Both legs received standard therapy, while one randomized leg received additional IIC for four hours daily. Measurements, including transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcpO2), leg circumference, and pain sensation, were taken at baseline, the first day post-IIC, and after five days. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The IIC-treated legs exhibited significant improvements in tissue oxygen saturation (MD = 19.87 mmHg, SD = 27.82, p = 0.012) and reduced ankle circumference (MD = −2.125 cm, SD = 1.593, p < 0.0001). No significant changes were observed in tcpO2 or circumference in the non-IIC-treated legs. Other leg circumference measurements (calf, above the knee) did not demonstrate significant improvements in either group. Pain levels remained stable under IIC therapy. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study provides evidence supporting IIC as a beneficial adjunct therapy for stasis dermatitis, demonstrating significant edema reduction and enhanced oxygenation. Further investigations are warranted to confirm these findings and expand clinical applicability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tissue Scarring, Fibrosis and Regeneration)
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9 pages, 1930 KiB  
Article
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy—A Vacuum-Mediated Positive Pressure Wound Therapy and a Closer Look at the Role of the Laser Doppler
by Christian D. Taeger, Clemens Muehle, Philipp Kruppa, Lukas Prantl and Niklas Biermann
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(8), 2351; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13082351 - 18 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1395
Abstract
Background: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an intensely investigated topic, but its mechanism of action accounts for one of the least understood ones in the area of wound healing. Apart from a misleading nomenclature, by far the most used diagnostic tool [...] Read more.
Background: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an intensely investigated topic, but its mechanism of action accounts for one of the least understood ones in the area of wound healing. Apart from a misleading nomenclature, by far the most used diagnostic tool to investigate NPWT, the laser Doppler, also has its weaknesses regarding the detection of changes in blood flow and velocity. The aim of the present study is to explain laser Doppler readings within the context of NPWT influence. Methods: The cutaneous microcirculation beneath an NPWT system of 10 healthy volunteers was assessed using two different laser Dopplers (O2C/Rad-97®). This was combined with an in vitro experiment simulating the compressing and displacing forces of NPWT on the arterial and venous system. Results: Using the O2C, a baseline value of 194 and 70 arbitrary units was measured for the flow and relative hemoglobin, respectively. There was an increase in flow to 230 arbitrary units (p = 0.09) when the NPWT device was switched on. No change was seen in the relative hemoglobin (p = 0.77). With the Rad-97®, a baseline of 92.91% and 0.17% was measured for the saturation and perfusion index, respectively. No significant change in saturation was noted during the NPWT treatment phase, but the perfusion index increased to 0.32% (p = 0.04). Applying NPWT compared to the arteriovenous-vessel model resulted in a 28 mm and 10 mm increase in the venous and arterial water column, respectively. Conclusions: We suspect the vacuum-mediated positive pressure of the NPWT results in a differential displacement of the venous and arterial blood column, with stronger displacement of the venous side. This ratio may explain the increased perfusion index of the laser Doppler. Our in vitro setup supports this finding as compressive forces on the bottom of two water columns within a manometer with different resistances results in unequal displacement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tissue Scarring, Fibrosis and Regeneration)
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Review

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11 pages, 521 KiB  
Review
Narrative Review of the Use of Hydrocolloids in Dermatology: Applications and Benefits
by Nhi Nguyen, Ajay S. Dulai, Sarah Adnan, Zill-e-huma Khan and Raja K. Sivamani
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(4), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14041345 - 18 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3030
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hydrocolloid dressings are commonly used in the treatment of chronic wounds by forming a gel-like protective layer upon the dispersion of water, absorbing exudate, and creating a moist environment that promotes healing. However, the use of hydrocolloids has expanded outside of wound [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Hydrocolloid dressings are commonly used in the treatment of chronic wounds by forming a gel-like protective layer upon the dispersion of water, absorbing exudate, and creating a moist environment that promotes healing. However, the use of hydrocolloids has expanded outside of wound care, and this review summarizes the evidence for their use within dermatology. Methods: To perform this narrative review, several databases were searched for manuscripts that described the use of hydrocolloid dressings within dermatology. Results: The hydrophilic and colloidal dispersion properties of hydrocolloid dressings facilitate the formation of an absorptive, hydrating, and protective layer. In addition, the viscous layer supports innate immunity by activating immune cells such as granulocytes and monocytes, making them effective in wound care. Hydrocolloid dressings appear to be an effective treatment in acute wounds, with the potential of reduced healing time and easier application compared to traditional dressings. The majority of the related research suggests that hydrocolloid dressings and standard dressings have similar efficacy in healing pressure ulcers, and the prevention of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Early reports suggest that hydrocolloid dressings have a role in the treatment of facial dermatitis and acne vulgaris. Conclusions: Hydrocolloid dressings have been studied most extensively for chronic wounds and then for use in acute wounds. There have been a few studies on their use for treating acne, facial atopic dermatitis, and hypertrophic scarring. While more clinical studies are needed, there appears to be early evidence of hydrocolloid dressing use within dermatology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tissue Scarring, Fibrosis and Regeneration)
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16 pages, 3068 KiB  
Review
Fibroblast Yap/Taz Signaling in Extracellular Matrix Homeostasis and Tissue Fibrosis
by Cong-Qiu Chu and Taihao Quan
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(12), 3358; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13123358 - 7 Jun 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3172
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis represents a complex pathological condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) components, resulting in impaired organ function. Fibroblasts are central to the fibrotic process and crucially involved in producing and depositing collagen-rich ECM. Apart from their primary [...] Read more.
Tissue fibrosis represents a complex pathological condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of collagenous extracellular matrix (ECM) components, resulting in impaired organ function. Fibroblasts are central to the fibrotic process and crucially involved in producing and depositing collagen-rich ECM. Apart from their primary function in ECM synthesis, fibroblasts engage in diverse activities such as inflammation and shaping the tissue microenvironment, which significantly influence cellular and tissue functions. This review explores the role of Yes-associated protein (Yap) and Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (Taz) in fibroblast signaling and their impact on tissue fibrosis. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms of Yap/Taz signaling in fibroblasts may reveal novel therapeutic targets for fibrotic diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tissue Scarring, Fibrosis and Regeneration)
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