Role of HIF‐1α in pathogenic mechanisms of keloids

Abstract

AbstractBackgrouds and ObjectiveKeloids are defined as overrepairing products that develop after skin lesions. Keloids are characterized by the proliferation of fibroblasts and the overaccumulation of extracellular matrix components (mainly collagen), leading to a locally hypoxic microenvironment. Hence, this article was aimed to review hypoxia in pathogenesis of keloids.MethodsWe reviewed and summarized the relevant published studies.ResultsHypoxia results in the accumulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) in keloids, contributing to overactivation of the fibrotic signaling pathway, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and changes in metabolism, eventually leading to aggravated fibrosis, infiltrative growth, and radiotherapy resistance.ConclusionIt is, therefore, essential to understand the role of HIF‐1α in the pathogenic mechanisms of keloids in order to develop new therapeutic approaches.