Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker: Potential agents to reduce post-surgical scar formation in humans.

Abstract

Studies on the effectiveness and mechanisms of reducing scar formation by interfering with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) have been demonstrated in animals, but not in humans due to the lack of clinical support. Our aim was to investigate whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) could inhibit scar formation in humans. Thus, an observational and hypothesis-generating study using a designed questionnaire was carried out. A total of 347 patients with postoperative scars secondary to thyroid tumours were enrolled. They were divided into four groups: ACEI group, ARB group, other antihypertensive drugs control group and blank control group according to the administration of antihypertensive drugs. The width of scar was measured, and the Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) Scale was filled out. Results showed that patients of ACEI group (mean scar width 1.60mm) and ARB group (mean scar width 1.57mm) formed smaller scars than those of other antihypertensive drugs control group (mean scar width 2.09mm) and blank control group (mean scar width 2.0mm). Oral administration of ACEI and ARB may be associated with better post-surgical scar formation in humans. These two kinds of antihypertensive drugs may be active components of anti-scar medicine.