Effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ activator 15d-PGJ2 on hypertrophic scar in rabbit ear

Objective To investigate the effect of 15d-PGJ2 on the expression of CD34 and TGF-β1 on hypertrophic scar in rabbit ear and the possibility of hypertrophic scar treated by 15d-PGJ2. Methods 9 New Zealand white rabbits were used to establish a hypertrophic scar model on the rabbit ear.The wounds were established as follows: 2 cm×2 cm wounds with total skin loses on the ventral side, 2 wounds for each ear, totally 36 wounds. The wounds were randomly divided into the 15d-PGJ2 treatment group and normal saline control group. 10 μl 15d-PGJ2 or normal saline was injected into the ear scar once a day for 7 days. At 3, 6 and 17 days after the injection, the expression of CD34 and TGF-β1 was detected by immunohistochemical method. Results Excessive dermal scars on rabbit ear that were similar to human hypertrophic scar appeared in the two groups. Compared with the NS-treated scar group, the 15d-PGJ2-treated scars appeared to be smaller, softer, flatter and lighter in color. The expression of CD34 and TGF-β1 in the 15d-PGJ2 group was significantly decreased as compared with that in the control group at different time points(P0.05). Conclusion 15d-PGJ2, the ligand of PPAR-γ, can reduce the expression of CD34 and TGF-β1 of hypertrophic scar in the rabbit ear and plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scar.