OBJECTIVETo investigate the content of decorin and its mRNA expression in normal human skin and hyperplastic scars at different stages, so as to explore the relationship between the change of decorin and its synthesis.

METHODSScar tissue samples from 22 patients undergoing scar excision and 10 specimens of normal skin or prepuce were obtained. The content and distribution of decorin in the tissue samples were determined with immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the expression of decorin mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization.

RESULTSThe content of decorin was rich in the normal skin dermis with lower expression of the mRNA. In contrast, the decorin content was scarce in hyperplastic scars (HS) within 6 months, but increased gradually beginning from 7 to 12 months, and increased continuously for 13 to 36 months. There was no difference between the decorin content in normal skin and that in HS after 36 months (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expression level in HS tissue was lower than that in normal skin within 6 months, but increased from 7 to 12 months. The mRNA expression continuously increased during 13 to 36 months and then returned to the level similar to that in normal skin thereafter.

CONCLUSIONThe decrease of decorin in hyperplastic scar was resulted primarily from reduced synthesis. The increase in decorin level coincided with the time of scar tissue stabilization, which implied that the delayed appearance was correlated with the formation of HS.