Antifibrosis and Scleroderma Research

Sewon Kang, M.D., Gary Fisher, Ph.D. and John Voorhees, M.D., F.R.C.P.

Our translational research program in photomedicine has been instrumental in generating the current knowledge that UV causes photoaging by inducing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade collagen while inhibiting procollagen synthesis. Based on this work, we recognized the medical application of these UV effects to reduce skin collagen in scleroderma, where pathologically abundant collagen is responsible for thick/hard skin. Our group's clinical research aims to design an optimal UVA1 protocol for scleroderma and to develop treatments for other fibrotic conditions (e.g., keloids) and examine the utility of infrared irradiation as another antifibrotic treatment modality.

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