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In Vitro Culture of Epithelial Cells from Different Anatomical Regions of the Human Amniotic Membrane
Published on: November 28, 2019
Epidermal growth factor variations in amniotic membrane used for ex vivo tissue constructs
Jean-Jacques Gicquel1, Harminder S Dua, Andrew Brodie
1Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Hospital Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Tissue Engineering. Part A
|February 7, 2009
Summary
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) content in amniotic membrane (AM) varies significantly between and within donors. Handling the AM further reduces EGF levels, impacting its use in ocular surface reconstruction and epithelial cell expansion.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- The amniotic membrane (AM) is crucial for ocular surface reconstruction.
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) in AM is vital for corneal epithelial cell expansion.
- Variations in AM EGF content and handling effects require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate epidermal growth factor (EGF) content in human amniotic membrane (AM).
- To assess intra- and inter-donor variations in EGF levels.
- To determine the impact of processing and handling on AM EGF content.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 15 human AM samples (fresh and handled).
- Quantified EGF gene expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction.
- Measured EGF protein levels via ELISA.
Main Results:
- EGF gene and protein expression were primarily localized to the AM epithelium.
- Significant inter- and intra-donor variations in EGF protein concentration were observed.
- Handling the AM led to a significant reduction in EGF protein content.
Conclusions:
- Substantial variability exists in EGF content within and between human AM donors.
- AM handling negatively impacts EGF levels, potentially affecting clinical outcomes.
- Current AM use for ex vivo epithelial cell expansion lacks standardization, raising concerns.
