NEDD4 Transcript Variant 3 and IGF-1 as Molecular Markers in the Development and Prognosis of Keloids

This study investigated the expression levels of NEDD4 transcript variant 3 (NEDD4-TV3) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in keloid tissues, involving 30 keloid patients and 20 controls. Results showed significantly higher expressions of both genes in keloid patients, with NEDD4-TV3 demonstrating a strong predictive value for keloid formation (95% sensitivity and specificity). Both NEDD4-TV3 and IGF-1 expressions correlated with pigmentation, vascularity, and other keloid characteristics. The findings suggest that elevated NEDD4-TV3 and IGF-1 are associated with increased susceptibility to keloid formation, highlighting their potential roles in keloid pathogenesis and as predictive markers.