EFFECTS OF LOCAL GROWTH HORMONE THERAPY ON IGF-1 AND TGF-β DURING FACIAL SKIN WOUND HEALING IN RABBITS

Abstract

Growth hormone (GH) the most abundant hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland could have a role with other growth factors in wound healing because they can help in the physiological wound healing process. Aims: To investigate the effects of GH on facial skin wound healing in rabbits and to evaluate its effect on "insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)" and "transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)" in serum. Material and Method: Thirty healthy male rabbits included in this study were classified into two groups according to the day of euthanization 7 and 14 days of study, each group was subdivided into three groups; negative control group, positive control group, and treatment group, full-thickness circle 1 cm wounds were excised in the skin of the forehead for each rabbit without any medication.3-(treated group) full-thickness circle 1 cm wounds will excise in the skin of the forehead for each rabbit, 0.1ml [contain 1.2mg /3.6 IU] of growth hormone injected subcutaneously around the incision, the injection process is every other day. Result: showed a highly significant difference among all study groups in serum TGF-β (ng/L) and IGF (ng/ml) during the first and second weeks. the serum TGF-β at the end of the first and second weeks showed a significant elevation in the treatment group when compared to the other study groups. There is no significant difference between the two control groups. The serum IGF at the end of the first and second weeks showed a significant difference in IGF levels among all study groups. Conclusions: Topical GH has a role in skin wound healing since it can increase the serum level of TGF-β. GH also causes a decrease in serum IGF. Topical GH may have a positive impact on skin wound healing.