Effects of mechanical compression on hypertrophic scars: Prostaglandin E₂ release

An alteration in the normal process of tissue repair can lead to the formation of hypertrophic scars. The best prevention and control of hypertrophy, especially in burn scars, is achieved using elastocompression, through a mechanism not yet clarified. Various studies have shown that mechanical compression induces the release of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and that PGE₂ increases the expression of collagenases. In this study, we evaluated the effect of mechanical compression in vitro on PGE₂ release in human normotrophic (NS) and hypertrophic (HS) burn scars. PGE₂ basal levels in HS were significantly lower than those present in NS, and compression induced a significant increase in the release of PGE₂ in HS scar in remission (7.2 times basal level) and active stages (5.88 times basal level). This increase seemed to be only partially IL-1β-dependent. These data suggest a role for PGE₂ in the process of hypertrophy remission induced by pressure therapy.