Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells Interplay Drives Hypertrophic Scar Formation: Insights from In Vitro and In Vivo Models

This study examines the interaction between fibroblasts and endothelial cells in hypertrophic scar formation using both in vitro and in vivo models, involving 13 patients with hypertrophic scars. It highlights the role of endothelial cells in enhancing fibroblast proliferation and migration through cytokine signaling, with elevated levels of VEGF, TGF-β, PDGF, and bFGF. The research demonstrates that these interactions contribute to increased vascularity and scar formation, with significant gene expression changes related to extracellular matrix organization and fibrosis. The findings suggest that targeting these molecular pathways could lead to new treatments for fibrosis and scarring.