Regulatory role of ADAMTS8 in proliferation and apoptosis of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts

• ADAMTS8 expression is significantly reduced in hypertrophic scar tissue compared to normal skin, and its level can distinguish hypertrophic scars with high accuracy (AUC=0.86). • Overexpression of ADAMTS8 in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis, as demonstrated by multiple assays. • Bioinformatics analysis suggests ADAMTS8 is involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, PI3K-Akt signaling, and apoptosis-related pathways. • ADAMTS8 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for hypertrophic scar treatment.