Effect of a collagen matrix containing epidermal growth factor on wound contraction

Abstract

Excessive wound contraction is known to lead to pathological wound contracture. Using a rabbit model, we applied a bovine type I collagen matrix sponge as a dermal substitute and human epidermal growth factor to full-thickness excisional wounds. Wound contraction was assessed 14 and 28 days after wounding. It was found that both collagen matrix and epidermal growth factor significantly inhibited wound contraction (p < 0.001) in all wounds treated with collagen matrix alone or treated with 0.1 and 1 microg of epidermal growth factor 28 days after wounding. Interestingly, the combination of collagen matrix with epidermal growth factor strongly inhibited wound contraction over matrix alone (p < 0.01 on day 28). Histological analyses showed a regular horizontal arrangement of collagen fibers in the dermis under wounds treated with these substances but not under untreated wounds. Furthermore, using a fibroblast-populated collagen gel, the direct inhibitory effect of epidermal growth factor on gel contraction by fibroblasts was also observed. Collagen gels without stimulation contracted to 29.5 +/- 0. 6% of their original size, as determined 6 days after culturing. At 3 days or more, epidermal growth factor inhibited collagen gel contraction by fibroblasts (after 6 days: 34.2 +/- 1.8%, p > 0.05; 36.5 +/- 2.8%, p < 0.05; and 39.8 +/- 2.1%, p < 0.001 at 1, 10, and 100 ng/ml of epidermal growth factor, respectively). In conclusion, collagen matrix and epidermal growth factor, particularly in combination, may be useful in the prevention of wound contracture.

Comparison of the Therapeutic Effects Recombinant Human Acidic and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factors in Wound Healing in Diabetic Patients

“…aFGF and bFGF have been extensively shown to promote angiogenesis as well as stimulate proliferation of many cell types involved in wound healing, including endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. 4,5,29,30) Therefore it is not surprising to find similar therapeutic effects of rhaFGF and rhbFGF in diabetic wound healing.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] Topical application of several growth factors to the healing impaired wounds could stimulate fibroblast and endothelial cell proliferation, increase the rate and degree of granulating tissue and capillary formation, and thus accelerate wound healing. [5][6][7] Both acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF and bFGF or FGF-1 and FGF-2) have many biologic activities including stimulating the proliferation of fibroblasts and capillary endothelial cells, thus promoting angiogenesis and wound healing. [8][9][10][11] We have demonstrated that accelerated healing time was achieved with the topical application of recombinant bovine bFGF (rbbFGF) in patients with second-degree skin burns.…”

Cell colonization in degradable 3D porous matrices

“…Thus, one of the approaches to minimize scarring is to increase the tensile strength via wound dressing materials. 3D collagen sponges have been used alone 145,146 or in conjunction with basic fibroblast growth factor, 147 fibronectin or hyaluronic acid. 148 Exogenous collagen increased wound tensile strength and increased degree of reepithelialization i.e., early dermal and epidermal wound healing.…”

Combined Use of Acid Fibroblast Growth Factor, Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor and Zinc Sulphate Accelerates Diabetic Ulcer Healing

“…1,[3][4][5] Topical application of several growth factors to stimulate fibroblast and endothelial cell proliferation to heal the impaired wound may enhance successful rate of wound healing. [8][9][10] Under appropriate pathophysiological conditions, growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF), are released to initiate angiogenesis. [11][12][13] Impaired wound healing is a common condition in diabetes associated with a delay in progression beyond the inflammatory and proliferative phases of normal wound healing.…”