Changes in fibrillin-1 expression, elastin expression and skin surface texture at sites of cultured epithelial autograft transplantation onto wounds from burn scar excision.

This study investigated the recovery process during which grafted cultured epithelium generated skin elasticity and skin surface microarchitecture. The subjects were 18 patients whose burn scars were excised at a depth not exposing the fat layer and who subsequently received cultured epithelial autografts. A total of 24 samples were obtained from the grafted sites: 6 samples within 6 weeks (stage 1), 5 samples after 6 weeks and within 6 months (stage 2), 6 samples after 6 months and within 18 months (stage 3) and 7 samples beyond 18 months (stage 4) of transplantation. These samples were evaluated by taking replicas of skin surface, and histological changes of fibrillin-1 and elastin. The expression patterns were classified using a grading scale. The grade of skin surface texture was significantly higher at stage 3 and marginally significantly higher at stage 4 compared with stage 1. The grade of fibrillin-1 was marginally significantly higher at stage 3 and significantly higher at stage 4 compared with stage 1. The grade of elastin was marginally significantly higher at stage 4 compared with stage 1. These results showed that it is important for patients to have skin care and avoid external forces for at least 18 months after transplantation.