Page 8 - Aesthetics&Dermatology_11_2021

SPECIALITY

Scientists uncover how

a molecule improves

appearance of surgery scars

Researchers find clues about how molecule improves appearance of scars

In a new study, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC scientists discovered that the alphaCT1 molecule may help repair
the skin’s collagen matrix. Microscopic imaging of 29-day scar biopsies from the same patient reveals the molecule’s effects
on collagen organization. Collagen bundles in the untreated scar, right, are more aligned compared to the alphaCT1-treated
tissue’s collagen, which is more randomly arranged in swirls that resemble unwounded skin. (Gourdie Lab / Virginia Tech)

urgical scars treated The study, to be published in the I clinical study. Each volunteer
with a molecule called August issue of the Federation had 5-milimeter punches of skin
SalphaCT1 showed a long- of American Societies for biopsied from each of their inner
term improvement in appearance Experimental Biology (FASEB) biceps. One arm’s wound was
when compared to control scars, Journal, describes how the drug treated with the alphaCT1 molecule
according to multicenter, controlled influences the behavior of collagen- in a gel, and the other received
Phase II clinical trials -- a finding producing cells called fibroblasts. a non-medicated control gel.
that could help surgeons improve The wounds healed for 29 days,
patient outcomes. The findings reveal a previously at which point the scars were
unreported feature of scar photographed and biopsied again.
Now, a public-private research team formation, and could help advance
led by Rob Gourdie, professor and wound healing treatments for Under the microscope, the
director of the Center for Vascular patients undergoing surgical untreated scars’ collagen -- a
and Heart Research at the Fralin procedures. protein produced by cells called
Biomedical Research Institute at fibroblasts -- formed parallel strips,
VTC, has revealed clues about The researchers analyzed scars
why and how it improves the from 49 healthy volunteers in a
appearance of scars. randomized, double-blind Phase 10

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