Exp Ther Med
-
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) on scar characteristics and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad signaling in order to explore a potential modality for the treatment of hypertrophic scars (HS). The HS model was generated in rabbit ears, then rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: Lower (L)-ESWT [treated with rESWT with lower energy flux density (EFD) of 0.1 mJ/mm2], higher (H)-ESWT (treated with a higher EFD of 0.18 mJ/mm2) and the sham ESWT group (S-ESWT; no ESWT treatment). Scar characteristics (wrinkles, texture, diameter, area, volume of elevation, hemoglobin and melanin) were assessed using the Antera 3D® system. ⋯ These results demonstrated that rESWT with 0.1 mJ/mm2 EFD improved some characteristics of the HS tissue. Downregulation of Smad3 expression may underlie this inhibitory effect. Inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad signal transduction pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for the management of HS.