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Acidic fibroblast growth factor accelerates dermal wound healing
T N Mellin1, R J Mennie, D E Cashen
1Department of Biochemistry, Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, Rahway, NJ 07065.
Growth Factors (Chur, Switzerland)
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) significantly accelerates dermal wound healing in rodents by promoting cell growth and blood vessel formation. This potent mitogen shows therapeutic potential for enhancing skin tissue repair in humans.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Dermatology
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) is a known mitogen for various embryonic ectodermal and mesodermal cells.
- aFGF stimulates key cell types involved in skin structure, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of topical acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) in promoting the healing of full-thickness dermal wounds.
- To evaluate the impact of aFGF on wound closure rate, tissue regeneration, and tensile strength in rodent models.
Main Methods:
- Full-thickness dermal wounds were created in rodents (mice and rats).
- Low doses of aFGF were applied topically to the wounds.
- Wound closure rates, histomorphometric analysis (angiogenesis, granulation tissue, epithelial growth), and tensile strength of linear incisions were assessed.
Main Results:
- Topical aFGF significantly accelerated wound closure by up to two-fold in mice and rats.
- aFGF enhanced angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation, and epithelial regeneration.
- A transient increase in wound tensile strength was observed with aFGF application, alongside increased cellularity and collagen deposition.
Conclusions:
- Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) acts as a pharmacological agent that accelerates dermal wound healing in rodents.
- aFGF demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for promoting dermal tissue repair in humans.