Keloid Pathogenesis And Fibroblast Activation Study
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Tissue Collection.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Keloids, Fibroblast. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- China
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
Mechanisms Of Keloid Fibroblast Activation And Potential Therapeutic Targets: A Tissue-Based Translational Study
Overview
Keloids are benign fibroproliferative skin disorders characterized by excessive fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix deposition. The molecular mechanisms underlying keloid formation remain incompletely understood. This prospective observational study aims to investigate the biological characteristics of keloid tissue by comparing surgically resected keloid specimens with adjacent normal skin obtained from the same patients. Histological and molecular analyses, including histopathology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blotting, and related laboratory assays, will be performed to identify signaling pathways and key regulatory factors associated with fibroblast activation. The findings may improve the understanding of keloid pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets for future treatment.
Detailed description
Background
Keloids are fibroproliferative disorders resulting from abnormal wound healing and are characterized by excessive fibroblast proliferation and abnormal collagen deposition. Although several signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), have been implicated in keloid development, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
Objectives
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanisms associated with abnormal fibroblast activation in keloids and to identify potential therapeutic targets by comparing keloid tissue with adjacent normal skin tissue.
Study Design
This is a prospective, single-center, observational study conducted at The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Adult patients diagnosed with keloids and scheduled for surgical excision will be invited to participate after providing written informed consent.
Study Procedures
Residual surgical specimens, including keloid tissue and adjacent normal skin routinely removed during surgery, will be collected without any additional surgical procedures. Samples will be de-identified before laboratory analysis. Histological examination, gene expression analysis, protein expression analysis, and signaling pathway evaluation will be performed using standard laboratory techniques, including histopathology, PCR, and Western blotting.
Outcome Measures
The primary outcome is the differential expression of fibrosis-related signaling molecules and fibroblast activation markers between keloid tissue and normal skin. Secondary outcomes include histopathological differences, collagen deposition characteristics, and identification of potential molecular therapeutic targets.
Significance
This study is expected to improve understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying keloid formation and provide a scientific basis for the development of future targeted therapies.
Interventions
- Other Tissue Collection
Surgical tissue collection only, no intervention
Primary outcome measures
- Expression Levels Of Fibrosis-Related Markers [Time frame: Up to 2028]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
- Histopathological Differences Between Keloid And Normal Skin [Time frame: 2026-2028]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Clinically diagnosed with keloid.
- Age 18 years or older.
- Scheduled to undergo surgical treatment at the study hospital.
- Able and willing to provide written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- Severe systemic disease.
- History of neurologic disease, alcoholism, postherpetic neuralgia, HIV infection, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, or prior cancer chemotherapy.
- Other skin diseases within 5 cm of the keloid lesion, such as eczema.
- Systemic treatment within 7 days before enrollment or keloid-specific treatment within 6 weeks before enrollment, including intralesional corticosteroid injection, cryotherapy, topical medication, or silicone gel sheeting.
- Hormone or immunosuppressive therapy within 3 months before enrollment.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Considered unsuitable for participation by the investigator.
- Refusal to participate in the study.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
Study locations
China · 1 center
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine — Jinhua
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07682636 · KY-2026-115 · KY-2026-115