Clinical and genetic rationale for the use of collagen preparation in the prevention and correction of atrophic scars

Introduction. A scar is a newly formed connective tissue that develops at the site of deep skin defects accompanied with the destruction of the dermis due to ulcerations, burns, cracking, and inflammatory processes. Each stage of cicatricial deformation is characterized by specific morphological changes such as alteration and inflammation, fibroblast proliferation and formation of the granulation tissue, epithelialization of the defect, scar tissue maturation and remodelling.

Aim. To identify the genetic predisposition to the formation of cicatricial deformities in patients showing signs of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD) and to develop an optimal algorithm for the prevention and correction of striae distensae using Linerase collagen replacement therapy.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the laboratory of Melsytech LLC (Nizhny Novgorod). A total of 52 patients (men and women, average age of 21.9 ± 4.4 years) were enrolled in the study. These patients sought advice from the Melsytech clinics (Moscow) in the period from 2022 to 2024. An UCTD screening questionnaire and genetic marker testing was used to diagnose signs of UCTD. A clinical examination of patients, identification of cicatricial changes in the skin and wound healing pattern were carried out separately.

Results. The study showed that the risk of predisposition to atrophic scars correlates with the degree of predisposition to UCTD. Incidence rates of a special type of skin healing with the formation of characteristic “cigarette paper” scars, and predisposition to atrophic striae not associated with pregnancy or weight change are higher in patients with UCTD.

Conclusions. The risk of predisposition to atrophic scars correlates with the degree of predisposition to UCTD. Replenishment of the building material deficiency and stimulation of collagen I and III gene expression are a pathogenetic therapy option for the correction of atrophic scars and striae.

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