Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Epidermal Growth Factor, and Epithelialization Analysis on Full-Thickness Wound Applied with Topical Erythropoietin

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Skin wounds are a major challenge, such as full-thickness wounds that need a long time to heal. However, the addition of erythropoietin can accelerate the wound healing process. AIM: This study was aimed to determine the effect of topical erythropoietin administration on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and epithelialization in the wound healing process. METHODS: This was randomized controlled trial. Full-thickness wounds were created on the back of each white rat. No treatment was administered in the control group (n=16), and topical erythropoietin was applied in the treatment group (n=16). The rats were euthanized on day 3 and day 6 post-surgery, respectively. The expression levels of VEGF, EGF, and microscopic epithelialization rate were examined. RESULTS: The level of EGF expression in the treatment group increased significantly on day 3 by 2.84 times compared to the control group and on day 6 increased to 4.89 times compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The level of VEGF expression in the treatment group on day 3 increased 2.18 times compared to the control group and on day 6 increased to 2.65 times compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, epithelialization in the treatment group on day 3 increased 1.3 times compared to the control group and on day 6 increased up to 7.62 times compared to the control group (p < 0.001). CONLUSION: Topical administration of erythropoietin could increase the expression of VEGF, EGF, and epithelialization in both early inflammatory and proliferative phases.

An in vivo investigation on the wound-healing activity of Specific ligand for the innate repair receptor, ARA290, using a diabetic animal model

“…Administration of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) has been shown to be helpful in the lessening of in ammation and initiation of the healing progression in an extensive diversity of preclinical models as well as in patients [51]. Regarding diabetes, reports have shown that rhEPO can advance the diabetic status in animal models.…”

Therapeutic potential of propolis in alleviating inflammatory response and promoting wound healing in skin burn

“…Research by Gregory et al (2002), propolis in the form of skin cream when compared to silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) promoted faster re-epithelialization, hence faster wound healing, and showed consistently lower levels of inflammation and a more rapid cicatrization. A study by Bastari et al (2023) showed that re-epithelization by propolis extract showed a more prominent epithelial thickness compared to re-epithelialization by control treatment. Another study showed that the healing efficacy of propolis derived from Nigerian bees on fullthickness skin lesions in rats was enhanced, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for various types of wounds in both fauna and humans (Eyarefe et al, 2019).…”