Arch Plast Surg.  2014 Sep;41(5):466-471. 10.5999/aps.2014.41.5.466.

Effect of Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor Impregnated Chitosan Film on Hemostasis and Healing of Blood Vessels

• Lee S
• Jung I
• Yu S
• Hong JP

• KMID: 2267645
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2014.41.5.466

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Bleeding can be a problem in wound debridement. In search for an effective hemostatic agent, we experimented with a chitosan film combined with the recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh-EGF), hypothesizing that it would achieve effective hemostasis and simultaneously enhance arterial healing.
METHODS
Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were used, and 96 puncture wounds were made. The wounds were divided into the following four groups: treated with sterile gauze, treated with gelatin sponge, treated with chitosan, and treated with chitosan combined with rh-EGF. Immediate hemostasis was evaluated, and arterial healing was observed histologically.
RESULTS
Groups B, C, and D showed a significant rate of immediate hemostasis as compared to group A (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences among groups B, C, and D. Histologically, only group D showed good continuity of the vessel wall after 1 week. It was the only group to show smooth muscle cell nuclei of the vessel wall.
CONCLUSIONS
We observed that chitosan has an effective hemostatic potential and the mix of rh-EGF and chitosan does not interfere with chitosan's hemostatic capabilities. We also identified enhanced healing of vessel walls when rh-EGF was added to chitosan. Further research based on these positive findings is needed to evaluate the potential use of this combination on difficult wounds like chronic diabetic ulcerations.

Keyword

Epidermal growth factor; Chitosan; Hemostasis

MeSH Terms

Blood Vessels*
Chitosan*
Debridement
Epidermal Growth Factor*
Gelatin
Hemorrhage
Hemostasis*
Humans
Myocytes, Smooth Muscle
Porifera
Punctures
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Ulcer
Wounds and Injuries
Chitosan
Epidermal Growth Factor
Gelatin