Authentic human epidermal growth factor: a panacea for wound healing

Timely and effective treatment for injuries/wounds could greatly reduce the risks of deterioration, infections, and more seriously, undergoing major surgical operations. Authentic human epidermal growth factor (aEGF; 53 amino acids) and human basic fibroblast growth factor (abFGF; 146 amino acids), which are functionally versatile skin growth factors, have been shown to be capable of promoting wound healing effectively. However, due to the confusions caused by unauthentic EGF and bFGF isoforms or derivatives, in conjunction with their high prices, the applications of aEGF and abFGF have been underrated. In this communication, we present the results of the application of aEGF to the effective treatments of various wounds, which included diabetic foot ulcers, Steven-Johnson Syndrome and bedsores, employing a facile topical method easily administered by even a layman. In addition, as demonstrated by a professional cosmetologist, when aEGF was working in conjunction with abFGF, an efficient healing effect on damaged skin resulting from micro-needling was observed. Further research studies would help to elucidate whether the two skin growth factors might work co-operatively to provide effective treatments for other serious skin disorders/problems including deep wounds and hard-toheal chronic wounds.