Epidermal Growth Factor Levels Research Articles

The use of human-derived feeder layers for the cultivation of transplantable human epidermal cell sheet to repair second degree burn wounds.

Human epidermal cell sheet (human-ECS) is a feasible treatment option for wound injury. Traditionally, researchers often use murine 3T3 fibroblast cells as feeder layer to support human epidermal cell sheet grafts, thus increase risk to deliver animal-borne infection. To overcome the potential risks involved with xenotransplantation, we develop human foreskin fibroblast cell as feeder layer culture system and investigate the effects of human-ECS on second-degree burn wound healing in mini-pig in order to develop more effective and safer therapies to enhance wound healing in human. Human epidermal keratinocytes and fibroblasts were isolated from foreskin tissue and were co-cultured to manufacture human-ECS. The cell morphology was monitored with phase-contrast microscopy, the stem cell markers were assessed by flow cytometry, and by colony-forming efficiency (CFE) assay. The structure of human-ECS was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expression of cytokines in human-ECS was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Second-degree burn wounds were created on the dorsal of miniature pig to evaluate the effect of oil gauze, oil gauze combined with commercial epidermal growth factor (EGF) cream, and oil gauze combined with human-ECS. Wound healing rate, histological examination, and Masson staining were measured to observe the wound repair efficacy. Real-time PCR and Western blot were utilized to detect the expression level of EGF and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Stratified human-ECS with 6-7 layers of epidermal cells was successfully cultivated with human-derived feeder cells, in which epidermal cell highly expressed CD49f and CFE was 3%±0.45%. Application of human-ECS induced a higher wound healing rate than commerical EGF cream and oil gauze control. The expression of EGF in human-ECS group was higher than those in the other groups; however, the expression of IL-6 was significantly decreased at day14 by human-ECS treatment group. Human-derived feeder cells are suitable for cultivation of human-ECS, avoiding pathogen transmission. Human-ECS could enhance second-degree burn wound healing, and its promoting effect involved secreting a variety of cytokines to regulate tissue reparative process.

Role of enkephalin derivative in promoting wound healing and scar remodeling via increased epidermal growth factor in a mouse model

Background Enkephalin, an endogenous neuropeptide, binds to the delta (δ) opioid receptor and exerts an antinociceptive effect. Recent studies have suggested that neuropeptides might effectuate cutaneous wound healing. Therefore, we investigated the effects of an enkephalin derivative on wound healing and scar formation in vivo.Methods Enkephalin derivatives (leucine-enkephalin) were synthesized using the alanine scan method, and the most promising derivative (E10) was selected for further testing. In 15 C57BL/6N mice, two full-thickness skin defects (10 mm in diameter) were made on both sides of the back (left side, enkephalin group; right side, control group). The enkephalin group was administered 100 μL of E10 (AGGFL, 200 μg/mL), and the control group received phosphate-buffered saline. The wound size was digitally analyzed on days 2, 4, 7, and 10. After 21 days, the scar tissues were histologically evaluated for the scar depression index (SDI), and the epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentration was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results The skin defect percentages were 98.4%±17.9% (day 2), 83.2%±24.0% (day 4), 39.7%±17.4% (day 7), and 16.2%±10.0% (day 10) in the control group and 86.1%±15.0% (day 2), 61.4%±11.6% (day 4), 26.6%±8.8% (day 7), and 16.4%±8.8% (day 10) in the enkephalin group. The SDI values were significantly lower in the enkephalin group (0.06±0.19) than in the control group (0.22±0.13, P<0.001). The EGF level was significantly higher in the enkephalin group (102.2±22.6 pg/mL) than in the control group (42.1±20.5 pg/mL, P<0.001).Conclusions An enkephalin derivative promoted wound healing and reduced depressed scar formation in a mouse model.

How I treat HER2-low advanced breast cancer

IntroductionTargeting low levels of human receptor epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) expression has reshaped the treatment paradigm for half of the patients with advanced breast cancer. HER2-low is currently defined as a HER2 immunohistochemical expression of 1+ or 2+ without amplification by in-situ hybridization. Until recently, HER2-targeted agents were ineffective in treating patients with HER2-low disease. Areas coveredIn this narrative review, we summarize the current management of HER2-low breast cancer. We highlight the findings of the DESTINY-Breast 04 phase 3 trial, which confirmed the efficacy of trastuzumab-deruxtecan (T-DXd) for the treatment of patients with advanced, pretreated HER2-low breast cancer. We also discuss how to implement this new treatment option in treatment algorithms of hormone receptor (HR)-positive and triple-negative tumors, as well as how to optimally manage selected toxicities of T-DXd. Expert opinionT-DXd is currently the standard of care for patients with advanced, pretreated, HER2-low breast cancer. Based on the design of the DESTINY-Breast04 trial, the current optimal place in treatment algorithms is after the first line of chemotherapy, both in HR-positive and triple-negative breast cancer. Up to 10–15% of the patients receiving T-DXd are expected to develop interstitial lung disease, which in 1–2% of the cases can be fatal. Adequate monitoring and prompt management are required to minimize the impact of ILD and to safely implement T-DXd in clinical practice.

Weikangling capsules combined with omeprazole ameliorates ethanol-induced chronic gastritis by regulating gut microbiota and EGF-EGFR-ERK pathway

AimsWeikangling capsules (WKLCs) have been widely used in the treatment of chronic gastritis. Whether used alone or combined with omeprazole (OME), it shows a significant effect. However, the mechanisms haven't been established. The study aimed to explore the mechanisms of WKLCs and its combination with OME on chronic gastritis. Main methodsThe components of WKLCs and EA (the ethyl acetate extraction extracted from WKLCs) fraction were analyzed. Then chronic gastritis model rats were induced by 56 % ethanol and treated with OME, low dose of WKLCs (WKL), high dose of WKLCs (WKH), WKLCs combined with OME (WO), and EA fraction (EA) to evaluate the mechanisms of WKLCs, drug combination and EA fraction. Key findingsA total of 22 components of WKLCs were quantified, among them 18 were enriched in EA fraction. WKLCs alleviated the morphology and inflammation of gastric mucosa and downregulated the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in serum by inhibiting the EGF-EGFR-ERK pathway, regulating gut microbiota composition and SCFAs contents in feces. WKLCs plus OME was better than OME. EA fraction improved digestive function by increasing pepsin activity and decreasing gastrointestinal hormones (GAS and VIP) compared with WKLCs. SignificanceThis study elucidated that the effect of WKLCs and its combination with OME in the treatment of chronic gastritis was attributed to regulating the composition of the gut microbiota and inhibiting the EGF-EGFR-ERK pathway. The EA fraction is an inseparable effective substance of WKLCs. This study provides scientific evidence for clinical application.

Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza Ameliorates Burn Injuries by Reducing Inflammation and Promoting Wound Healing.

Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza (RSM), a commonly used medicinal plant, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects, but relevant studies on burn injuries are lacking. We investigated the anti-inflammation and wound healing (WH) effects of an aqueous extract of RSM on a burn model in rats. The effects of RSM were studied by heat-induced burns in rats, treatment with vehicle, Jinwanhong ointment, and RSM (1.5 or 0.75 g/mL). Indicators of burn tissue (BT) were photographed by digital machines and analyzed. The microcirculation in BT was detected by scattered full-frame real-time imaging. Levels of inflammatory mediators and growth factors were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemical staining. Local pathologic changes in BT were observed by hematoxylin-and-eosin (HE) staining. Ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) was used to explore the absorption of RSM in local skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle tissue, serum, liver tissue, and kidney tissue. RSM treatment could reduce the wound area, increase percent WH, increase blood perfusion in BT, reduce serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), increase levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and hydroxyproline (Hyp) in serum, and increase protein expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), TGF-β1, EGF, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF)-1 in skin tissues. RSM treatment led to micro-absorption in the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and muscle, but not in the blood, liver, or kidney. RSM may promote WH by exerting anti-inflammatory effects, improving local-wound microcirculation, and accelerating the metabolism at the wound surface.

Kangfuxin alleviates ulcerative colitis in rats by inhibiting NF-κB p65 activation and regulating T lymphocyte subsets.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) remains an enduring, idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease marked by persistent mucosal inflammation initiating from the rectum and extending in a proximal direction. An ethanol extract of Periplaneta americana L., namely Kangfuxin (KFX), has a significant historical presence in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been broadly utilized in clinical practice for the treatment of injury. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of KFX on 2,4,6-trinitro'benzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced UC in Sprague-Dawley rats. We established the UC model by TNBS/ethanol method. Then, the rats were subject to KFX (50, 100, 200 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks by intragastric gavage. The body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colonic mucosal injury index (CMDI), and histopathological score were evaluated. The colonic tissue interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-10, transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-β1), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were determined by Elisa. To study T-lymphocyte subsets, flow cytometry was performed. In addition, the expression level of NF-κB p65 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Compared with the TNBS-triggered colitis rats, the treatment of rats with KFX significantly increased the body weight, and decreased DAI, CMDI, and histopathological score. Also, KFX elicited a reduction in the secretion of colonic pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, concomitant with up-regulation of IL-10, TGF-β1, and EGF levels. Upon KFX treatment, the CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ ratio in the spleen decreased, while the CD3+CD8+ subset and the CD3+CD4+CD25+/CD3+CD4+ ratio demonstrated an increase. In addition, the expression of NF-κB p65 in the colon was decreased. KFX effectively suppresses TNBS-induced colitis by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB p65 and regulating the ratio of CD4+/CD8+.

Desquamated Epithelial Cells of Unstimulated Human Whole Saliva Express Both EGF Transcript and Protein.

The aim of this study was to investigate if desquamated oral epithelial cells (DOECs) express the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and if these cells thereby may contribute to salivary EGF contents. DOECs have recently been shown to harbor the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, proposing that they may also store other biologically important salivary peptides/proteins. The EGF peptide is a growth factor which plays a critical role to maintain epithelial integrity and promote epithelial healing. The EGF is produced by salivary glands, but it is not known whether DOECs contain the EGF and thereby contribute to salivary EGF levels. DOECs were isolated from unstimulated whole saliva collected from four healthy volunteers. EGF protein expression was determined in cell lysates by dot blot and ELISA. Cellular distribution of cytokeratin, the proliferation marker Ki67, and EGF immunoreactivity were assessed by immunocytochemistry. EGF gene expression was investigated by qPCR. Expression of EGF transcript and protein in DOECs was compared to that in the human cultured keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) cells. EGF protein expression was detected in DOEC cell lysates by both dot blot and ELISA. Strong cytoplasmic EGF immunoreactivity was observed in DOECs, although some cells showed only a weak immunoreactive signal for EGF. Moreover, DOECs, besides containing EGF protein, also expressed transcript for EGF. Interestingly, ELISA analysis revealed that EGF protein contents were higher in DOECs than in HaCaT cells. ELISA analysis also disclosed that EGF concentration was about 10 times higher in whole saliva compared to DOECs. EGF transcript expression was about 50% lower in HaCaT cells stimulated with high (10%) compared to low (0.1%) concentration of fetal bovine serum, representing growth-stimulated and growth-restricted conditions, respectively, implying that growth-stimulus exerts negative feedback on EGF gene activity in HaCaT cells. Here, we show for the first time that DOECs express the EGF, arguing that these cells contribute to salivary EGF contents and hence may play a role in gingival epithelial repair and wound healing.

Sodium alginate hydrogel containing platelet-rich plasma for wound healing

Recently, the healing of chronic wounds such as extensive burns has become a serious and intractable clinical problem. Avoiding wound infection and retaining an appropriate level of moisture around wounds are significant challenges in wound care. Herein, a dual-network hydrogel composed of sodium alginate (SA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was designed to facilitate the wound healing. The preparation of hydrogel was achieved through a simple one-step thrombin activation process. The morphological characterization results revealed the three-dimensional network structure of the hydrogel. Then, certain levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) cultured hydrogel, which led to the possibility of cell proliferation and vascular regeneration. When topically applied to the wound skin of rats, the hydrogel presented high wound closure effectiveness. In conclusion, this strategy provides a simple and feasible approach to overcoming the shortcomings of conventional wound dressings.

Melanin from Sepia pharaonis ink alleviates mucosal damage and reduces inflammation to prevent alcohol-induced gastric ulcers

Melanin (MSI) is the primary component of Sepia pharaonis ink. Studies have demonstrated melanin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in colitis. In the present study, the protective effect of ink melanin against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in mice was investigated. After oral administration of MSI for 12 days, the mice were treated with anhydrous ethanol (0.2 mL) to establish the gastric ulcer model. Histopathological analysis showed that MSI reduced the ulcer area and bleeding symptoms of gastric tissue. MSI exhibited significant antioxidant properties by upregulating superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) activities and decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The expression levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and prostaglandin E−2 (PGE2) significantly decreased during gastric mucosal injury, while MSI significantly reversed the effects. Furthermore, MSI reduced the expression of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and the protein expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2). In addition, MSI repressed gastric cell apoptosis by decreasing the expression of Caspase-3. In conclusion, MSI alleviated ethanol-induced gastric ulcer injury by modulating oxidation stress and inflammatory cytokines and maintaining the mucosal barrier, which can be used as therapeutic functional food or nutritional supplement to prevent gastric ulcers. Meanwhile, the mechanism of MSI targeted gastric TLR4/MAPKs pathway deserves further verification.

Impact of repeated intravenous infusions of umbilical cord-derived versus bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on angiogenesis in a pregnant experimentally induced deep venous thrombosis rat model.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) therapy during pregnancy warrants special consideration for the woman and the fetus. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in terms of pro-angiogenic capacity and amelioration of pregnancy outcomes. The pregnant DVT rat model was successfully established by the "stenosis" method. Three consecutive injections of both UC-MSCs and BM-MSCs improved angiogenesis and ameliorated the embryo absorption rate in pregnant SD rats with DVT, in which UC-MSCs promoted angiogenesis more significantly. Furthermore, the levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were significantly higher in the UC-MSC group compared to those of the BM-MSC group. Thereafter, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in thrombosed inferior vena cava tissues in the UC-MSC and BM-MSC groups were identified using transcriptome sequencing and further assessed by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that the enriched DEG terms occurred in the cytokine activity, and the DEG pathways were significantly enriched in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. In addition, both the mRNA and protein levels of angiogenic genes and their receptors, including VEGF-A, VEGF receptor-1, EGF, and EGF receptor, were significantly higher in the UC-MSC group. In conclusion, the BM-MSCs and UC-MSCs both significantly stimulate angiogenesis and ameliorate the embryo absorption rate in pregnant SD rats with DVT, but the difference in cytokine secretion causes UC-MSCs to have more potent angiogenic effects than BM-MSCs.

Correlation between serum IGF-1 and EGF levels and neuropsychiatric and cognitive in Parkinson’s disease patients

BackgroundInsulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) exert neuroprotective effects in Parkinson’s disease (PD). To date, studies on the relationships between serum IGF-1 and EGF levels and nonmotor symptoms in PD patients have been rare.MethodsA Siemens automatic chemical analyzer was used to determine serum IGF-1 levels, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum EGF levels in 100 healthy controls and 100 PD patients, including those in the early (n = 49) and middle-late (n = 51) stage of the disease. Evaluation of motor symptoms and nonmotor symptoms in PD patients was assessed by the associated scales.ResultsSerum IGF-1 and EGF levels were higher in PD patients than in healthy controls, and serum IGF-1 and EGF levels were higher in early stage PD patients than in middle-late stage PD patients. Serum IGF-1 levels were significantly negatively correlated with anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction; serum EGF levels were significantly negatively correlated with cognitive dysfunction. Combining IGF-1 and EGF in the diagnosis of PD was more valuable than using a single factor in the diagnosis.ConclusionsThis study shows that serum IGF-1 levels were correlated with the nonmotor symptoms of anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction and that EGF levels were correlated with cognitive dysfunction. The combination of IGF-1 and EGF increased the value for a PD diagnosis. This is the first report of the simultaneous detection of IGF-1 and EGF levels to explore the correlation with nonmotor symptoms of PD.

Inhibition of Tumor Growth and Modulation of Antioxidant Activity of Rhodoxanthin Isolated from Taxus baccata Aril against B16F10 Murine Malignant Melanoma.

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, and due to the numerous limitations of current treatment methods, there is an urgent need to develop novel approaches for both the prevention and treatment of malignant melanoma, with research-oriented bioactive substances representing a notable first step. The current study decided to expand on previous rhodoxanthin research by investigating the possible anti-tumor effect as well as the effect on the antioxidant status in the case of murine melanoma in an experimental model. The 21-day study was carried out on female C57BL/6J mice. On the first day of the experiment, they were subcutaneously inoculated with 106 B16F10 cells and were given rhodoxanthin orally until the end of the study. Rhodoxanthin supplementation significantly reduced tumor growth (42.18%) and weight (15.74%). Furthermore, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) activity was reduced and the concentration of 8-OHdG dropped in the treated melanoma-bearing mice compared to the untreated ones, demonstrating the role of rhodoxanthin in slowing tumor growth, one of the mechanisms being the reduction of EGF level and the decrease of DNA oxidation. The administration of rhodoxanthin determined variations in antioxidant enzymes, both at the plasma level and at the tissue level.

Potential of blood exosomal ENAH, SEPT9, EGF, MMP-9 and CXCL8 for the early screening of breast cancer.

Exosomal contents have been recognized as candidate biomarkers for cancer screening and prognosis. The current study aimed to evaluate the potential of the expression levels of exosomal enabled homolog (ENAH), septin 9 (SEPT9), epidermal growth factor (EGF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) in the blood for the early screening of breast cancer. Therefore, exosomes were extracted and purified from the peripheral blood of 47 patients with breast cancer, 63 disease controls (DCs) and 33 healthy controls (HCs). Subsequently, the exosomal mRNA expression levels of ENAH, SEPT9, EGF, MMP-9 and CXCL8 were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that the exosomal levels of ENAH and EGF were significantly higher in patients with breast cancer compared with DCs and HCs (both P<0.001). In addition, receiver operating characteristic curves revealed that exosomal ENAH was able to discriminate patients with breast cancer from DCs [area under the curve (AUC), 0.841] and HCs (AUC, 0.859). However, exosomal EGF was only able to discriminate patients with breast cancer from HCs (AUC, 0.776). Furthermore, the levels of exosomal SEPT9 were lower in patients with breast cancer compared with DCs and HCs (P=0.021), and exosomal SEPT9 expression levels exhibited good potential in the discrimination of patients with breast cancer from DCs (AUC, 0.717) and HCs (AUC, 0.830). However, no significant difference was detected in exosomal levels of MMP-9 and CXCL8 among the three groups, and these RNAs showed no discriminative ability. In addition, in patients with breast cancer, the exosomal levels of ENAH were associated with molecular subtypes (P=0.010), while those of MMP-9 were associated with a Ki-67 index of ≥30% (P=0.011). In conclusion, the exosomal levels of ENAH, SEPT9 and EGF in blood samples were able to identify patients with breast cancer, thus providing a novel approach for the early screening of breast cancer.

Effect of Epidermal Growth Factor in Human Milk and Maternal Diet on Late-Onset Breast Milk Jaundice: A Case-Control Study in Beijing.

Breast milk is crucial in the development of late-onset breast milk jaundice (BMJ), possibly due to the composition of breast milk and the lactating mother's diet. To explore the possible nutritional pathogenesis of late-onset BMJ, we investigated the lactation diet and collected breast milk by following the 42-day postpartum mother-infants pairs in Beijing and a total of 94 pairs were enrolled. The macronutrient content of breast milk was measured, and the epidermal growth factor (EGF) content in breast milk was determined by ELISA. Data on in-hospital and out-of-hospital breastfeeding, infant growth, jaundice-related vaccination, and puerperium diet were collected. The BMJ group received the second dose of hepatitis B vaccine later than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). The EGF concentration in breast milk was lower in the BMJ group than in the control group (p = 0.03). When EGF increased by 1 ng/mL, the transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) value decreased by 0.33 ng/mL and 0.27 ng/mL before and after the adjustment, respectively. A 1 g increase in oil intake led to a 0.38 ng/mL increase in EGF concentration before the adjustment. With a 1 g increase in oil intake, the TcB value decreased by 0.27 ng/mL before the adjustment, and with a 1 g increase in soybean and soybean product intake, the TcB value decreased by 0.34 ng/mL after the adjustment. Collectively, EGF in breast milk may inhibit the occurrence of late-onset BMJ, and the dietary intake of oil in lactating mothers may affect the level of EGF in breast milk, thus affecting the occurrence of late-onset BMJ. Finally, dietary oil intake may be a protective factor for the occurrence of late-onset BMJ by increasing EGF levels in breast milk.

The Role of Growth Factors in the Pathogenesis of Dengue: A Scoping Review.

Growth factors (GFs) have a role in tissue repair and in the modulation of the expression of inflammatory cells in damage caused by pathogens. This study aims to systematize the evidence on the role of GFs in the pathogenesis of dengue. This scoping review considered all published peer-reviewed studies in the MEDLINE and Embase databases. Ultimately, 58 studies that analyzed GFs in dengue patients, published between 1998 and 2021, were included. DENV-2 infection and secondary infection were more frequent in the patients studied. ELISA and multiplex immunoassay (Luminex) were the most used measurement techniques. Increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, transforming growth factor beta, and hepatocyte growth factor as well as reduced levels of platelet-derived growth factor and epidermal growth factor were observed in severe dengue in most studies. Vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor were identified as biomarkers of severity. In addition, there is evidence that the dengue virus can use the growth factor pathway to facilitate its entry into the cell and promote its viral replication. The use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors is an alternative treatment for dengue that is being studied.

Clinical effect of Anwei Qingyou recipe on peptic ulcer and its effect on the levels of EGF and PGE2: A retrospective study.

Background:To investigate the effect of Anwei Qingyou formula on the clinical treatment of patients with peptic ulcer (PU) and its effect on the levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).Methodology:Medical records of 83 patients with PU, treated in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 40 patients received conventional triple therapy (scheme I), that is, oral omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin, twice a day, and 43 patients received conventional triple therapy + Anwei Qingyou formula, taken orally twice a day (scheme II). The improvement of clinical symptoms, the quality of ulcer healing, clinical effectiveness and recurrence rate were analyzed after 4 weeks of treatment. Patients were followed up for six months.Results:After treatment with corresponding regimen, the total clinical effective rate of scheme II was 97.57% (42/43), which was significantly higher than 82.50% (33/40) of scheme I. Six-month follow-up results showed that the recurrence rate in scheme II patients was 4.65% (2/43), which was significantly lower than 20.00% (8/40) in the scheme I group (χ 2 = 5.479, 4.607, all P < .05). After one course of treatment, the levels of serum EGF and PGE2 in scheme II group were higher than those in scheme I group (P < .05).Conclusion:In combination with the conventional western medicine treatment, Anwei Qingyou formula administration in PU patients effectively improves the overall control of the disease and therapeutic effectiveness.

Biological effects of stored platelet-rich plasma eye-drops in corneal wound healing

Background/aimsThis study aimed to assess the efficacy and sterility of stored platelet-rich plasma (PRP) eye-drops for corneal epithelial wound healing compared with those of autologous serum (AS) eye-drops.MethodsAt our single...

Effect of taspine hydrochloride on KGF signal pathway in skin wound healing in rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect of taspine hydrochloride and the regulatory involvement of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signal on skin wound healing in rats.&#x0D; Methods: Wound model rats were assigned to 3 groups (n = 15 each): untreated control, taspine hydrochloride high-dose treatment, and taspine hydrochloride low-dose treatment groups. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR) were determined using qPCR, while immunoblot assay was used to assess protein levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and other inflammatory factors.&#x0D; Results: There were significantly down-regulated levels of KGF, KGFR, TGF-β1, VEGF, EGF, HGF, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in control group on the first day, relative to high- and low-dose taspine hydrochloride treatment groups (p &lt; 0.05). Wound repair took more time in control rats than in the 2 taspine HCL-treatment rats. However, healing time was significantly shorter in rats given higher level of taspine HCL (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Taspine hydrochloride down-regulates the high expression of FGF and inhibits inflammatory response in rats with skin trauma. Moreover, it accelerates skin wound healing. These findings support the clinical application of taspine hydrochloride for skin wound healing.

Serum levels of angiogenesis-related factors in patients with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is characterized by increased dermal vascularity, indicating that aberrant angiogenesis is associated with the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Data on angiogenesis-related factors in psoriasis patients are limited. We explored serum levels of angiogenesis-related factors in patients with psoriasis, and investigated their association with clinical severity and laboratory data. Psoriasis patients visiting our hospital from April 2013 to April 2018 and healthy controls were included in this study. Serum levels of angiopoietin-1, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-basic, epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1, placental growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured by LEGENDplex. Serum samples obtained from 10 healthy controls, 18 patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PsV), 24 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and 13 patients with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) were analyzed. The serum angiopoietin-1 level was elevated in the PsV, PsA, and GPP patients. GPP patients had a higher serum VEGF level than healthy controls. In contrast, serum levels of EGF and PECAM-1 were lower in the PsV, PsA, and GPP patients than in healthy controls. The serum FGF-basic level was lower in the PsA and GPP patients than in healthy controls. Serum levels of FGF-basic in PsA and GPP patients, PECAM-1 in PsA patients, and VEGF in GPP patients became closer to the respective levels in healthy controls after systemic therapy. The serum FGF-basic level was positively correlated with the psoriasis area and severity index and the number of circulating eosinophils in GPP patients. The serum VEGF level was correlated positively with the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and negatively with the serum albumin level in GPP patients. In conclusion, our exploratory study revealed that psoriasis affects serum levels of certain angiogenesis-related factors. Some of these factors could be biomarkers of treatment outcomes, clinical severity, and systemic inflammation.

344.5: Reduced Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Expression During Antibody Mediated Rejection Following Heart Transplantation

Antibody mediated rejection (AMR) remains one of the major challenges for long-term survival following heart transplantation. The immediate and long-term impact of HLA antibodies on graft survival is well established. However, the signaling pathways that are involved in AMR are not well established. Endothelial cell activation by HLA antibodies lead to the activation of several downstream signaling pathways. We utilized an in vitro primary human endothelial cell model treated with humanized monoclonal antibodies to HLA Class I antigens to identify the signaling pathways involved in AMR. A reduction of epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels in endothelial cells was observed following coupling these cells with HLA antibodies. We confirmed this result with ELISA assays of the cell culture supernatant of endothelial cells treated with humanized monoclonal antibodies to HLA class I antigens (mean 32 pg/ml ±SD 4.5 vs control cells 53 ±SD 7.2 pg/ml). Serum EGF levels were evaluated in heart transplant recipients with and without AMR. In patients with AMR (n=16), the mean serum EGF levels were significantly reduced as compared to patients with no AMR (n=22) (151.6± SD 73 pg/mlvs.237.4± SD 52.94 pg/ml, p <0.05). Our data indicates reduced EGF expression in heart transplantation recipients with AMR. This reduction might suggest that EGF could have a protective effect in heart transplant recipients during AMR. This is the first study to demonstrate a correlation between serum EGF levels and AMR in heart transplant recipients.