Clinical and Histological Effects of Topical Epidermal Growth Factor on Acne and Acne Scars

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The inflammatory lesions of acne leave scars which greatly affect patients’ quality of life. Treatment options targeting both acne and acne scars are still lacking. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To evaluate the clinical efficacy of epidermal growth factor ointment (EGFO) on acne and acne scars. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The study design was 12-week, prospective, split-face, single-blinded. The 36 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris applied EGFO on one side of the face and the vehicle ointment on the other side twice daily. The patients were assessed every 4 weeks by acne lesion and scar counts, investigator’s global assessment for acne (IGA) and scar (SGA), and the ECCA scar grading scale. Biopsies were performed before and after treatment. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Acne and acne scars were significantly improved on EGFO-treated sides, while control sides were not. Acne lesion and scar counts were significantly reduced after 4 weeks, while IGA, SGA, and ECCA grade significantly decreased after 8 weeks. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased expression of keratin 16, NF-κB p65, IL-1α, and IL-8, and increased expression of TGF-β<sub>1</sub>, elastin, and collagen type 1, 3 after treatment. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> EGFO can be a treatment option targeting acne and acne scars.

The use of epidermal growth factor in dermatological practice

“…[42][43][44] More recently, a split-face study of 36 patients with mild-to-moderate acne demonstrated that topical application of rhEGF significantly reduced the acne lesions and scar counts, with decreased IGA and ECCA scar grades. 45 Additionally, rhEGF increased the expression of TGF-β1, elastin, and collagen type 1 and 3, and decreased keratin 16, NF-κB p65, IL-1α, and IL-8 expression, which implies that rhEGF has anti-inflammatory properties. 45 Collectively, these studies suggest that rhEGF may be a possible therapeutic adjuvant for both acne and acne scarring.…”

“…During a 12‐week trial, Ronald et al demonstrated the beneficial effects of topical rhEGF in acne scarring by showing how the mean investigator global assessment (IGA) score and the Goodman grade—a qualitative scar grading system for acne scarring—improved with rhEGF treatment 42‐44 . More recently, a split‐face study of 36 patients with mild‐to‐moderate acne demonstrated that topical application of rhEGF significantly reduced the acne lesions and scar counts, with decreased IGA and ECCA scar grades 45 …”

Modern techniques in addressing facial acne scars: A thorough analysis

“…have demonstrated that EGFO effectively improves acne vulgaris and scars clinically and histologically. In addition, they found that EGFO can reduce inflammation and abnormal keratinization and promote scar regeneration through immunohistochemical analysis 96 …”

“…96 Recent studies have shown that exosomes derived from human adipose tissue stem cells (ASCE) have stem cell key features and are as effective as MSCs in repairing various organ injuries 97,98. Hyuck Hoon KWON et al studied the efficacy of carbon dioxide fractional laser combined with exosomes (derived from adipose tissue stem cells) in…”

Meconopsis quintuplinervia Regel Improves Cutibacterium acnes-Induced Inflammatory Responses in a Mouse Ear Edema Model and Suppresses Pro-Inflammatory Chemokine Production via the MAPK and NF-κB Pathways in RAW264.7 Cells

“…Acne vulgaris (AV), a prevalent dermatological ailment, can affect the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders, among other pilosebaceous regions. The main clinical symptoms of AV include seborrheic, non-inflammatory skin lesions, inflammatory lesions, and scarring of varying degrees 1 2 . Over 85% of young individuals worldwide are affected by AV, and symptoms can linger into adulthood 3 .…”