Abstract:

Objective To study the expression of gravin in the keloid and to investigate its probable role in the pathogenesis of keloid. Methods Skin biopsy was performed and skin samples were obtained from 18 normal human controls and 25 patients with keloid. The mRNA expression of gravin in specimens was detected by real-time fluorescent RT-PCR, and double immunofluorescence analysis was used to investigate the distribution of gravin protein in skin tissues. Results As detected by real time PCR, the relative expression of gravin mRNA was remarkably reduced in comparison with normal skin （0.4565 ± 0.1728 vs 0.0953 ± 0.0664, P < 0.01）. Results of double staining indicated that, in normal skin, gravin was primarily distributed in the cytoplasm of fibroblasts; while in keloid, it was observed mainly in macrophages and sporadically in fibroblasts. Conclusions Compared with the normal skin, keloid shows a different expression intensity and distribution of gravin, which might contribute to the development of keloid by regulating the proliferation of fibroblasts and activation of macrophages.

Key words: Ke1oid;Gravin;Cell Proliferation;Cell Activation