Evidence supporting the use of: Transforming growth factor beta
For the health condition: Scars / Scar Tissue

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) is a cytokine that plays a central role in wound healing and scar formation. Its use in supporting or treating scars and scar tissue is primarily based on a scientific understanding of its biological functions. TGF-β regulates cellular proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix production during tissue repair. Elevated or prolonged TGF-β signaling is strongly linked to the development of hypertrophic scars and keloids, as it promotes fibroblast activation and excessive collagen deposition.

Experimental studies, both in vitro and in animal models, have demonstrated that modulating TGF-β activity can influence scar formation. For example, blocking TGF-β signaling with antibodies or small molecules has been shown to reduce fibrosis and scar tissue formation. Conversely, exogenous TGF-β has been investigated as a means to accelerate early wound healing, but its tendency to drive excessive scarring is a significant limiting factor. Clinical trials targeting TGF-β for scar reduction are ongoing, and some topical formulations aiming to modulate TGF-β activity are in development, but as of now, there are no widely approved TGF-β-based therapies for scar prevention or treatment in humans.

In summary, the connection between TGF-β and scar tissue is well-established scientifically, but clinical translation into safe and effective treatments is still in progress. The current evidence supporting direct therapeutic use of TGF-β to treat scars is limited, and research is focused more on inhibiting rather than supplementing TGF-β to control scarring.

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