Mendelian randomization analyses explore the causal relationship between fibroblast growth factor receptors and hypertrophic scar.

Abstract

During the formation of hypertrophic scars (HS), there is often a notable abnormal proliferation and differentiation of cells, especially fibroblasts, but it remains ambiguous whether a causal relationship exists between fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and hypertrophic scar. This study explored the causal impact of FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and FGFR4 on HS utilizing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. The elevated expression of FGFR1 and FGFR 4 emerged as two potential risk factors against HS in the inverse-variance weighted analysis. Conversely, FGFR2 and FGFR3 exhibited no significant causal relationship with hypertrophic scars. Rigorous analyses including assessments of heterogeneity, genetic horizontal pleiotropy, and leave-one-out sensitivity collectively affirmed the stability and reliability of the findings in this study. Taken together, the elevated expression of FGFR1 and FGFR 4 act as two key regulatory factors in preventing the formation of HS and serves as a crucial modulator in impeding scar formation.