Chitosan-poloxamer-based thermosensitive hydrogels containing zinc gluconate/recombinant human epidermal growth factor benefit for antibacterial and wound healing

Chitosan/poloxamer-based thermosensitive hydrogels containing zinc gluconate/recombinant human epidermal growth factor (ZnG/rhEGF@Chit/Polo) were developed as a convenient, safe and effective dressing for skin wound treatment. Their fabrication procedure and characterization were reported, and their morphology was examined by a scanning electron microscope. Antibacterial and biofilms activities were evaluated by in vitro tests to reveal the inhibitory effects and scavenging activity on the biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ZnG/rhEGF@Chit/Polo was also investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for wound healing therapy. In vivo wound healing studies on rats for 21 days proves that ZnG/rhEGF@Chit/Polo supplements the requisite Zn²⁺ and rhEGF for wound healing to promote the vascular remodeling and collagen deposition, facilitate fibrogenesis, and reduce the level of interleukin 6 for wound basement repair, and thus is a good wound therapy.

Direct interaction between Rab5a and Rab4a enhanced epidermal growth factor-stimulated proliferation of gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Although targeted therapies such as antibodies against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 have been widely used in the treatment of metastatic cancer, the overall outcomes are poor. Therefore, elucidation of the mechanism underlying cancer progression is important to improve prognosis. Overexpression of the Rab5a gene has been confirmed to correlate with tumorigenesis of many cancers, but the mechanism underling, especially of GC, is still unclear.

AIM

To investigate the effects of Rab5a overexpression on the tumorigenesis of GC.

METHODS

First, the expression levels of Rab5a and Rab4a in primary tumorous tissues of GC patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2018 were analyzed. Then we constructed HGC-27 cell lines overexpressing green fluorescent protein-Rab5a or red fluorescent protein-Rab4a and investigated the interaction between Rab5a or Rab4a using Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy, and colocalization analysis. Finally, epidermal growth factor-stimulated proliferation of these cell lines was analyzed using cell counting kit-8 cell viability assay.

RESULTS

Compared with normal gastric tissues, the expression levels of Rab5a and Rab4a increased progressively both in paracancerous tissues and in advanced cancerous tissues. Epidermal growth factor could promote the proliferation of HGC-27 cells, especially Rab5a-overexpressing HGC-27 cells. Notably, Rab5a and Rab4a co-overexpression promoted the proliferation of HGC-27 cells to the greatest extent. Further analysis identified a direct interaction between Rab5a and Rab4a in HGC-27 cells.

CONCLUSION

Co-overexpression of Rab5a and Rab4a in GC may promote the endosomal recycling of epidermal growth factor receptor, which in turn contributes to poor prognosis and tumor progression in GC patients. Inhibition of Rab5a or Rab4a expression might be a promising therapy for refractory GC.

Seasonal expressions of ERα, ERβ, EGF, EGFR, PI3K and Akt in the scent glands of the muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus)

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is an important autocrine and/or paracrine mediator of steroid hormones to stimulate growth and differentiation in mammals. The aim of this study is to investigate seasonal expressions of estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ), EGF, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt) in the scent glands of the muskrats during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Histologically, three types of cells including the glandular cells, interstitial cells and epithelial cells were identified in the scent glands in both seasons. Immunohistochemical results showed that ERα, ERβ, EGF, EGFR, PI3K and Akt were presented in the different types of cells of the scent glands during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Transcriptome data of the scent glandular tissues from muskrats in the breeding and non-breeding seasons showed that differential seasonal changes might be related to the estrogen-EGFR signaling pathway. The gene expression levels of ERα, ERβ, EGF, EGFR, PI3K were increased, while the gene expression level of Akt were decreased in the breeding season than those in the non-breeding season. Besides, the concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E₂) in the serum and the scent glandular tissues were remarkably higher in the breeding season than those of the non-breeding season. Taken together, our results suggested that EGFR signaling pathway may coordinate with ERs signaling to regulate the seasonal changes of the scent glandular functions.

Epidermal Growth Factor in Aesthetics and Regenerative Medicine: Systematic Review

Introduction:

Epidermal Growth Factor (rhEGF) is a promising skin antiaging agent that successfully promotes skin wound repair, and it has been investigated in the past decade for these purposes. However, there are no updated systematic reviews, in English or English, that support the efficacy of rhEGF as a regenerative skin treatment or systematic reviews that compile the uses of rhEGF as facial aesthetic therapy and regenerative medicine.

Aim:

To describe the current state of facial aesthetic and regenerative medicine treatments in which rhEGF has been effectively used.

Materials and Methods:

An exhaustive search was carried out in “Medline” (via “PubMed”), “Cochrane,” “Bireme” through the Virtual Health Library (VHL), “Elsevier” via “Science Direct,” “Springer,” “SciELo,” “ResearchGate,” and Google Scholar. Studies related to the use of rhEGF in addressing skin disorders or skin aging are included.

Results:

Overall, 49 articles were found, which described the use of rhEGF for skin regeneration and restructuring. Efficacy in the regeneration of skin wounds was verified through the intradermal and topical application of formulations with rhEGF. Most clinical trials in aesthetics point to an effective inversion of skin aging. However, uncontrolled or randomized trials abound, so that does not represent enough evidence to establish its efficiency. There are transient adverse effects for both cases.

Conclusion:

The rhEGF considers an effective therapeutic alternative for patients with recalcitrant skin wounds and skin aging, as it is a potent and specific mitogenic factor for the skin.

The epidermal growth factor ortholog of ectromelia virus activates EGFR/ErbB1 and demonstrates mitogenic function in vitro

Many poxviruses produce proteins that are related to epidermal growth factor (EGF). Prior genome sequencing of ectromelia virus revealed a gene predicted to produce a protein with homology to EGF, which we refer to as ectromelia growth factor (ECGF). ECGF is truncated relative to vaccinia growth factor (VGF) because the former lacks a transmembrane domain. We show these proteins can experience differential N-linked glycosylation. Despite these differences, both proteins maintain the six conserved cysteine residues important for the function of EGF. Since ECGF has not been characterized, our objective was to determine if it can act as a growth factor. We added ECGF to cultured cells and found that the EGF receptor becomes activated, S-phase was induced, doubling time decreased, and in vitro wound healing occurred faster compared to untreated cells. In summary, we demonstrate that ECGF can act as a mitogen in a similar manner as VGF.

The next generation: Urinary epidermal growth factor is associated with an early decline in kidney function in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

Micro-albuminuria is considered an early clinical sign of diabetes nephropathy, however, early decrease of glomerular filtration can be present years before the presence of microalbuminuria. In this study, we explored whether urinary epidermal growth factor (uEGF) might serve as an early marker of diabetes nephropathy compared to microalbuminuria in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (n = 158) and healthy controls (n = 40) were included in this study. Serum and urine samples were collected three times with an interval of at least one month to determine creatinine (serum and urine), epidermal growth factor and albumin (urine). Demographic data and routine lab values were extracted out of the electronic patient files.

RESULTS

uEGF was significantly lower in children with T1DM compared to healthy controls (p = 0.032). A relatively lower glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was associated with a decreased uEGF (p < 0.001). uEGF was independently associated with eGFR in a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that uEGF can serve as an early marker of diabetes nephropathy in children and adolescents.

Dry eye disease flares: A rapid evidence assessment

PURPOSE

Characteristics of periodic flares of dry eye disease (DED) are not well understood. We conducted a rapid evidence assessment to identify evidence for and characteristics of DED flares.

METHODS

Literature searches were performed in Embase® via Ovid®, MEDLINE®, and PubMed®. Clinical trials and observational studies published 2009-2019 were included if they investigated patients aged ≥18 years with clinically diagnosed DED who experienced a flare, defined as a temporary or transient episode of increased ocular discomfort, typically lasting days to a few weeks. Triggers of flares, patient-reported outcomes (symptoms), clinician-measured outcomes (signs), and changes in tear molecules were captured.

RESULTS

Twenty-one publications that included 22 studies met inclusion criteria. Five observational studies described evidence of DED flares in daily life, 5 studies reported changes following cataract/refractive surgery in patients with preoperative DED, and 12 studies employed controlled environment (CE) models. Real-world triggers of DED flares included air conditioning, wind, reading, low humidity, watching television, and pollution. CE chambers (dry, moving air) and surgery also triggered DED flares. Exacerbations of symptoms and signs of DED, assessed through varied measures, were reported during flares. Across studies, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and interleukin-6 increased and epidermal growth factor decreased during DED flares.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from 22 studies identified triggers and characteristics of DED flares. Further research is needed to assist clinicians in early diagnosis and treatment of patients experiencing flares.

Hinokitiol induces cell death and inhibits epidermal growth factor-induced cell migration and signaling pathways in human cervical adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the antitumor activity of hinokitiol for its clinical application in the treatment of human cervical carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cervical carcinoma HeLa cells were treated by different concentrations of hinokitiol. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) assay was used to identify senescent cells. The effects of hinokitiol on EGF-induced cell migration were determined by wound healing and transwell migration assays. Western blot was used to detect proteins involved in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, autophagy, and EGF-induced signaling pathways.

RESULTS

Hinokitiol suppressed cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that hinokitiol treatment resulted in cell cycle arrest at G1 phase, with reduced number of cells in the G2/M phase. Western blot analysis further demonstrated that hinokitiol treatment increased the levels of p53 and p21, and concomitantly reduced the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins, including cyclin D and cyclin E. SA-β-gal assay showed that hinokitiol treatment significantly induced β-galactosidase activity. In addition, treatment with hinokitiol increased the accumulation of the autophagy regulators, beclin 1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3-II), in a dose-dependent manner; however, it did not induce caspase-3 activation and poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. In addition, epidermal growth factor-induced cell migration and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation were significantly inhibited by hinokitiol.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that hinokitiol might serve as a potential therapeutic agent for cervical carcinoma therapy.

Associations among cytokines, EGF and lymphocyte subpopulations in patients diagnosed with advanced lung cancer

Aging is considered the single most significant risk factor for the majority of common malignances including lung cancer. Together immunosenescence, changes occurring with aging in the immune system, and inflammaging, characterizes by a chronic, subclinical accumulation of pro-inflammatory factors, are suggested to stand at the origin of most of the diseases of the elderly, such as cancer. The aim of this study was to determine associations among lymphocyte subpopulations, pro-inflammatory cytokines and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Forty-six advanced NSCLC patients were enrolled. Sixteen patients with newly diagnosed and before treatment and 30 patients after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Peripheral blood subpopulations were studied by flow cytometry and serum concentrations of soluble factors by ELISA. The frequency of naïve CD4⁺ T cells, naïve B cells and central memory CD8⁺ T cells were significantly lower in NSCLC patients after chemotherapy, while effector memory CD4⁺ T cells and terminally differentiated CD8⁺ T cells were significantly higher. IL-1β and TNFα significantly correlated among them before and after platinum-based chemotherapy. Terminally differentiated T cells expressing CD57⁺ significantly correlated with TNFα and IL-1β. For the first time, associations between EGF serum levels and terminally differentiated CD4⁺ T cells, and memory B cells were detected. This study confirms the association among terminally differentiated lymphocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients diagnosed with lung cancer, reinforcing the interconnection between terminally differentiated lymphocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Clinical trial registration number: RPCEC00000205, http://registroclinico.sld.cu/.

Intraocular epidermal growth factor concentration, axial length, and high axial myopia

Purpose

Various molecules such as dopamine have been found to be associated with axial elongation in experimental studies. Here, we examined whether intraocular EGF is associated with axial length in myopic patients.

Methods

The hospital-based investigation included patients of European descent without optic nerve, retinal, or macular diseases except for myopic maculopathy. Using aqueous humor samples collected during surgery, the EGF concentration was examined applying a cytometric bead array. High myopia was defined by an axial length of ≥ 27.0 mm.

Results

The study included a non-highly myopic group of 11 patients (mean age, 72.9 ± 10.8 years; mean axial length, 24.3 ± 1.1 mm) and a highly myopic group of three patients (age, 81.11 ± 12.3 years; axial length, 29.5 ± 1.3 mm), with one of them having pathologic myopic maculopathy. In multivariable linear regression analysis, higher EGF concentration was correlated with the highly myopic versus non-highly myopic group (beta, 1.24; non-standardized correlation coefficient B, 6.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.10,12.4;P = 0.047) after adjusting for axial length. The amount of intraocular EGF was significantly higher in the highly myopic group than in the non-highly myopic group (89.1 ± 40.8 pg versus 34.1 ± 13.2 pg; P = 0.005), and it was highest in the eye with myopic maculopathy (135 pg).

Conclusions

The intraocular amount of EGF is higher in highly myopic versus non-highly myopic eyes.

Effects of EGF-coated titanium surfaces on adhesion and metabolism of bisphosphonate-treated human keratinocytes and gingival fibroblasts

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-coated titanium (Ti) discs on the adhesion and metabolism of keratinocytes and gingival fibroblasts exposed to nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Keratinocytes and fibroblasts were seeded (1 × 10⁵ cells/disc) on Ti discs coated with EGF (100 nM). After 24 h, cells were exposed or not to sodium alendronate (SA) or zoledronic acid (ZA) at different concentrations (0 = control, 0.5, 1, or 5 μM) for 48 h. Cell adhesion to the substrates was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Cell viability (alamarBlue, n = 6) and synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and keratinocytes growth factor (KGF) (ELISA, n = 6) were assessed. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Higher cell adhesion rate was observed when keratinocytes and fibroblasts were seeded onto EGF-coated discs in comparison to uncoated discs. ZA treatment hindered the adhesion of both cell lines on the Ti discs as well as reduced the viability and synthesis of VEGF, KGF and MMP-2 by cells (p < 0.05). SA treatment did not affect cell viability, but interfered negatively on the adhesion and synthesis of EGF and KGF by the cells (p < 0.05). EGF-coated surface increased cell viability and synthesis of growth factors as well as downregulated the synthesis of MMP-2 in comparison to control (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EGF applied on Ti surface improves the biological responses of oral mucosa cells exposed to SA and ZA.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

EGF-coating on titanium may be a suitable strategy to improve oral mucosa cellular events related to biological sealing, especially for patients under bisphosphonate therapy.

Effects of selected hormones and their combination on progesterone and estradiol production and proliferation of feline granulosa cells cultured in vitro

Little is known about the hormonal regulation of feline ovarian granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis. The present study aimed to develop a hormone responsive granulosa cell culture system to measure steroidogenic and cell proliferation responses to help identify factors that might regulate ovarian function in queens. Five experiments were conducted each with 75 or more ovaries, three in spring and two in fall seasons. Granulosa cells were isolated and treated in vitro with various hormones in serum-free medium for 48 h after an initial 48 h plating in 10% fetal calf serum. In granulosa cells isolated from spring and fall collected feline ovaries, IGF1 alone and combined with FSH stimulated (P < 0.05) cell proliferation, whereas FSH alone had no effect (P > 0.10) on cell proliferation. Also, in granulosa cells collected in spring and fall, IGF1 alone and FSH alone increased (P < 0.05) estradiol production by severalfold, and a combination of FSH and IGF1 increased (P < 0.05) estradiol production above either FSH or IGF1 treatment alone. The FSH plus IGF1 treatment increased (P < 0.05) CYP19A1 mRNA abundance by 27-fold. In contrast, EGF decreased (P < 0.05) FSH plus IGF1-induced estradiol production by over 80% in granulosa cells of both spring and fall collected ovaries. In granulosa cells isolated from spring and fall collected ovaries, IGF1 plus FSH inhibited (P < 0.05) progesterone production. Melatonin increased (P < 0.05) FSH plus IGF1-induced cell proliferation and amplified (P < 0.05) the FSH plus IGF1-induced inhibition of progesterone production. However, melatonin and GH had no effect (P > 0.10) on estradiol production either alone or in combination with FSH plus IGF1 in both spring and fall. Prolactin, FGF9 and activin had no effect (P > 0.10) on cell proliferation or steroidogenesis. FGF2 decreased (P < 0.05) estradiol production without affecting progesterone production or cell numbers. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) increased (P < 0.05) progesterone production but had no effect (P > 0.10) on granulosa cell proliferation or estradiol production. In conclusion, the in vitro system described herewithin may be useful to assess and evaluate ovarian function in feline species and has identified EGF, FSH and IGF1 as major regulators of feline ovarian follicular function.

Compatibility of intravitreally applied epidermal growth factor and amphiregulin

Introduction

To examine the compatibility of intravitreally injected epidermal growth factor (EGF) and amphiregulin as EGF family member.

Methods

Four rabbits (age: 4 months; body weight: 2.5 kg) received three intravitreal injections of EGF (100 ng) uniocularly in monthly intervals and underwent ocular photography, tonometry, biometry, and optical coherence tomography. After sacrificing the rabbits, the globes were histomorphometrically examined. In a second study part, eyes of 22 guinea pigs (age: 2–3 weeks) received two intravitreal administrations of amphiregulin (10 ng) or phosphate buffered solution (PBS) in 10-day interval, or were left untouched. Ten days after the second injection, the guinea pigs were sacrificed, the enucleated eyes underwent histological and immune-histological examinations.

Results

The rabbit eyes with EGF injections versus the contralateral untouched eyes did not show significant differences in intraocular pressure (7.5 ± 2.4 mmHg vs. 6.8 ± 2.2 mmHg; P = 0.66), retinal thickness (158 ± 5 µm vs. 158 ± 3 µm; P = 1.0), cell counts in the retinal ganglion cell layer (3.3 ± 1.7 cells/150 µm vs. 3.0 ± 1.4 cells/150 µm; P = 0.83), inner nuclear layer (46.4 ± 23.2 cells/150 µm vs. 39.6 ± 6.4 cells/150 µm; P = 0.61), and outer nuclear layer (215 ± 108 cells/150 µm vs. 202 ± 47 cells/150 µm; P = 0.83), or any apoptotic retinal cells. The guinea pig eyes injected with amphiregulin versus eyes with PBS injections did not differ (P = 0.72) in the degree of microglial activation, and both groups did not differ from untouched eyes in number of apoptotic retinal cells and retinal gliosis.

Conclusions

Intravitreal applications of EGF (100 ng) in rabbits nor intravitreal applications of amphiregulin (10 ng) in guinea pigs led to intraocular specific inflammation or any observed intraocular destructive effect. The findings support the notion of a compatibility of intraocular applied EGF and amphiregulin.

Protein-induced metamorphosis of unilamellar lipid vesicles to multilamellar hybrid vesicles

Protein encapsulation into nanocarriers has been extensively studied to improve the efficacy and stability of therapeutic proteins. However, the chemical modification of proteins or new synthetic carrier materials are essential to achieve a high encapsulation efficiency and structural stability of proteins, which hinders their clinical applications. New strategies to physically incorporate proteins into nanocarriers feasible for clinical uses are required to overcome the current limitation. Here we report the spontaneous protein-induced reorganization of 'pre-formed' unilamellar lipid vesicles to efficiently incorporate proteins within multilamellar protein-lipid hybrid vesicles without chemical modification. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) binds to the surface of cationic unilamellar lipid vesicles and induces layer-by-layer self-assembly of the vesicles. The protein is spontaneously entrapped in the interstitial layers of a multilamellar structure with extremely high loading efficiency, ~99%, through polyionic interactions as predicted by molecular dynamics simulation. The loaded protein exhibits much higher structural, chemical, and biological stability compared to free protein. The method is also successfully applied to several other proteins. This work provides a promising method for the highly efficient encapsulation of therapeutic proteins into multilamellar lipid vesicles without the use of specialized instruments, high energy, coupling agents, or organic solvents.

Recombinant human epidermal growth factor combined with vacuum sealing drainage for wound healing in Bama pigs

BACKGROUND

Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) both play an important role in the treatment of wounds. This study aims to explore the effects of the combination of VSD and EGF on wound healing and the optimal concentration and time of EGF.

METHODS

We tested the proliferation and migration capacity of HaCaT and L929 cells at different EGF concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, and 100 ng/ml) and different EGF action times (2, 10, and 30 min). A full-thickness skin defect model was established using male, 30-week-old Bama pigs. The experiment included groups as follows: routine dressing change after covering with sterile auxiliary material (Control), continuous negative pressure drainage of the wound (VSD), continuous negative pressure drainage of the wound and injection of EGF 10 min followed by removal by continuous lavage (V + E 10 min), and continuous negative pressure drainage of the wound and injection of EGF 30 min followed by removal by continuous lavage (V + E 30 min). The wound healing rate, histological repair effect and collagen deposition were compared among the four groups.

RESULTS

An EGF concentration of 10 ng/ml and an action time of 10 min had optimal effects on the proliferation and migration capacities of HaCaT and L929 cells. The drug dispersion effect was better than drug infusion after bolus injection effect, and the contact surface was wider. Compared with other groups, the V + E 10 min group promoted wound healing to the greatest extent and obtained the best histological score.

CONCLUSIONS

A recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) concentration of 10 ng/ml can promote the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells and fibroblasts to the greatest extent in vitro. VSD combined with rhEGF kept in place for 10 min and then washed, can promote wound healing better than the other treatments in vivo.

Analysis of ovarian cancer cell secretome during epithelial to mesenchymal transition reveals a protein signature associated with advanced stages of ovarian tumors

Ovarian cancer (OvCA) is the most lethal neoplasia among gynecologic malignancies and faces high rates of new cases particularly in South America. In special, the High Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma (HGSC) presents very poor prognosis with deaths caused mainly by metastasis. Among several mechanisms involved in metastasis, the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) molecular reprogramming represents a model for latest stages of cancer progression. EMT promotes important cellular changes in cellular adhesion and cell-cell communication, which particularly depends on the paracrine signaling from neighbor cells. Considering the importance of cellular communication during EMT and metastasis, here we analyzed the changes in the secretome of the ovarian cancer cell line Caov-3 induced to EMT by Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). Using a combination of GEL-LC-MS/MS and stable isotopic metabolic labelling (SILAC), we identified up-regulated candidates during EMT as a starting point to identify relevant proteins for HGSC. Based on public databases, our candidate proteins were validated and prioritized for further analysis. Importantly, several of the protein candidates were associated with cellular vesicles, which are important to the cell-cell communication and metastasis. Furthermore, the association of candidate proteins with gene expression data uncovered a subset of proteins correlated with the mesenchymal subtype of ovarian cancer. Based on this relevant molecular signature for aggressive ovarian cancer, supported by protein and gene expression data, we developed a targeted proteomic method to evaluate individual OvCA clinical samples. The quantitative information obtained for 33 peptides, representative of 18 proteins, was able to segregate HGSC from other tumor types. Our study highlighted the richness of the secretome and EMT to reveal relevant proteins for HGSC, which could be used in further studies and larger patient cohorts as a potential stratification signature for ovarian cancer tumor that could guide clinical conduct for patient treatment.

CT texture analysis for prediction of EGFR mutational status and ALK rearrangement in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

To develop a CT texture-based model able to predict epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged lung adenocarcinomas and distinguish them from wild-type tumors on pre-treatment CT scans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Texture analysis was performed using proprietary software TexRAD (TexRAD Ltd, Cambridge, UK) on pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT scans of 84 patients with metastatic primary lung adenocarcinoma. Textural features were quantified using the filtration-histogram approach with different spatial scale filters on a single 5-mm-thick central slice considered representative of the whole tumor. In order to deal with class imbalance regarding mutational status percentages in our population, the dataset was optimized using the synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) and correlations with textural features were investigated using a generalized boosted regression model (GBM) with a nested cross-validation approach (performance averaged over 1000 resampling episodes).

RESULTS

ALK rearrangements, EGFR mutations and wild-type tumors were observed in 19, 28 and 37 patients, respectively, in the original dataset. The balanced dataset was composed of 171 observations. Among the 29 original texture variables, 17 were employed for model building. Skewness on unfiltered images and on fine texture was the most important features. EGFR-mutated tumors showed the highest skewness while ALK-rearranged tumors had the lowest values with wild-type tumors showing intermediate values. The average accuracy of the model calculated on the independent nested validation set was 81.76% (95% CI 81.45-82.06).

CONCLUSION

Texture analysis, in particular skewness values, could be promising for noninvasive characterization of lung adenocarcinoma with respect to EGFR and ALK mutations.

Ameliorating effect of leukotriene receptor antagonist in multi-organ toxicity induced in rat offspring, a possible role for epidermal growth factor

Purpose: Nowadays, there is a dramatic increase in the interest of potential impact of consumer-relevant engineered nanoparticles on pregnancy.Materials and methods: This study investigated the possible protective effect of montelukast in neonatal organ toxicity induced by maternal exposure to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in rats.Results: It was noticed that montelukast reduced serum urea, creatinine, renal caspase-3 immunoreactivity and IL-1β and increased total antioxidant capacity, as compared to AgNPs. In kidney and bone tissue, montelukast reduced oxidative stress parameters and TNF-α level that was increased with AgNPs. Surprisingly, montelukast administration increased epidermal growth factor (EGF) in bone and reduced it in kidney. Furthermore, as compared to AgNPs, montelukast improved histopathological picture of kidney and bone.Conclusions: In conclusion, montelukast antagonized the biochemical and histopathological changes occurred in kidneys and bones of rat offspring by maternal exposure to AgNPs, mostly by anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory actions with a possible role for EGF.

Chlorin e6-EGF conjugated gold nanoparticles as a nanomedicine based therapeutic agent for triple negative breast cancer

To develop a treatment modality for triple-negative breast cancer, we investigated the efficacy of a bifunctional theranostic nanoprobes (BN) during Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) on human breast carcinoma and normal human cells. The BN is a 21 nm gold nanoparticles functionalized with Chlorin e6 (Ce6) and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). Attachment to gold nanoparticle stabilizes Ce6 while EGF acts as a cancer cell targeting agent. Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy revealed a gradual uptake of nanoprobes into cancer cells at an average rate of 63 BN/min. Cell viability assays showed that 0.2 μg/mL BN concentration was highly cytotoxic to cancer cells (86 %), but not normal cells. At this concentration, 58 % cancer cells were necrotic and 38 % apoptotic, while the reactive oxygen species (ROS) was 9-fold higher in cancer cells compared to normal. Overall, results suggest that BN mediated PDT can achieve targeted cancer cell death with high efficiency.

The role of exogenous epidermal growth factor on Ki-67 proliferation marker expression in the submandibular salivary gland of albino rats receiving doxorubicin

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the role of exogenous epidermal growth factor (EGF) injection on the Ki-67 immuno-expression in submandibular salivary gland tissue of rats receiving doxorubicin (DXR). Methods: A total of 21 two-month-old male albino rats, of 200 g body weight, were divided into three groups: control group; DXR group, the rats received 20 mg/kg body weight DXR as a single intra peritoneal injection; DXR+EGF group, the rats received the same dose of DXR and on the next day they were injected intraperitoneally with 10 µg/kg body weight of EGF daily for one week. Histological sections and immunohistochemical expression of Ki67 sections were examined using a ZEISS Primo Star light microscopy and images taken using Tucsen IS 1000 10.0MP Camera. Results: Ki-67 expression was significantly increased in submandibular salivary glands of rats after DXR injection. However, Ki-67 expression in the glandular tissue was restored to normal levels after EGF injection. Conclusions: EGF preserved glandular architecture after DXR injection and maintained Ki-67 immune-expression within the glandular tissue near to the normal level.

Measuring Endocytosis During Proliferative Cell Quiescence

Quiescence (also called "G0") is the state in which cells have exited the cell cycle but are capable to reenter as required. Though poorly understood, it represents one of the most prevalent cell states across all life. Many biologically important cell types reside in quiescence including mature hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and dormant adult stem cells. Furthermore, the quiescence program occurs in both short- and long-term varieties, depending on the physiological environments. A barrier slowing our understanding of quiescence has been a scarcity of available in vitro model systems to allow for the exploration of key regulatory pathways, such as endocytosis. Endocytosis, the internalization of extracellular material into the cell, is a fundamental and highly regulated process that impacts many cell biological functions. Accordingly, we have developed an in vitro model of deep quiescence in hTERT-immortalized RPE1 cells, combining both long-term contact inhibition and mitogen removal, to measure endocytosis. In addition, we present an analytical approach employing automated high-throughput microscopy and image analysis that yields high-content data allowing for meaningful and statistically robust interpretation. Importantly, the methods presented herein provide a suitable platform that can be easily adapted to investigate other regulatory processes across the cell cycle.

Association of Epidermal Growth Factor 61A>G, Survivin -31G>C, and EFNA1 -1732G>A Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Genetic polymorphisms play an important role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Functional variants in the epidermal growth factor (EGF), survivin, and Ephrin A1 (EFNA1) genes have been previously reported to play a potential role in susceptibility to CRC, but these polymorphisms have not been well replicated. The aim of this study was to assess the association of the EGF 61A>G, Survivin -31G>C, and EFNA1 -1732G>A polymorphisms with the susceptibility to CRC in an Iranian population.

METHODS

A total of 148 cases diagnosed with CRC and 160 healthy subjects were recruited. The EGF 61A>G, survivin -31G>C, and EFNA1 -1732G>A polymorphisms were genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay.

RESULTS

Our data revealed that the homozygous mutant genotype (CC: OR = 2.895, 95% CI = 1.092-7.673, p = 0.033) and mutant allele (C: OR = 1.629, 95% CI = 1.152-2.303, p = 0.006) of the survivin -31G>C were associated with an increased risk of CRC in the Iranian population. However, our results failed to show an association between the EGF 61A>G and EFNA1 -1732G>A polymorphisms and CRC risk.

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed that the survivin -31G>C polymorphism might play an important role in development of CRC in Iranian population. However, no association of EGF 61A>G and EFNA1 -1732G>A polymorphisms with CRC risk was found.

Formulation and evaluation of rutin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of brain tumor

The primary requirement for curing cancer is the delivery of essential drug load at the cancer microenvironment with therapeutic efficacy. Considering this, the present study aims to formulate "Rutin"-encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for effective brain delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Rutin-loaded SLNs were fabricated by oil-in-water microemulsion technique and were characterized for their physicochemical properties. The in vivo biodistribution study of rutin-loaded SLNs was studied using Rattus norvegicus rats. Subsequently, in silico molecular docking and dynamic calculations were performed to examine the binding affinity as well as stability of rutin at the active site of target protein "epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)." Formulated rutin-loaded SLNs were predominantly spherical in shape with an average particle diameter of 100 nm. Additionally, the biocompatibility and stability have been proved in vitro. The presence and biodistribution of rutin in vivo after 54 h of injection were observed as 15.23 ± 0.32% in the brain, 8.68 ± 0.63% in the heart, 4.78 ± 0.28% in the kidney, 5.04 ± 0.37% in the liver, 0.92 ± 0.04% in the lung, and 11.52 ± 0.65% in the spleen, respectively. Molecular docking results revealed the higher binding energy of - 150.973 kJ/mol of rutin with EGFR. Molecular dynamic simulation studies demonstrated that rutin with EGFR receptor complex was highly stable at 30 ns. The observed results exemplified that the formulated rutin-loaded SLNs were stable in circulation for a period up to 5 days. Thus, rutin-encapsulated SLN formulations can be used as a promising vector to target tumors across BBB. Graphical abstract.

Epidermal Growth Factor in the CNS: A Beguiling Journey from Integrated Cell Biology to Multiple Sclerosis. An Extensive Translational Overview

This article reviews the wealth of papers dealing with the different effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, neurons, and neural stem cells (NSCs). EGF induces the in vitro and in vivo proliferation of NSCs, their migration, and their differentiation towards the neuroglial cell line. It interacts with extracellular matrix components. NSCs are distributed in different CNS areas, serve as a reservoir of multipotent cells, and may be increased during CNS demyelinating diseases. EGF has pleiotropic differentiative and proliferative effects on the main CNS cell types, particularly oligodendrocytes and their precursors, and astrocytes. EGF mediates the in vivo myelinotrophic effect of cobalamin on the CNS, and modulates the synthesis and levels of CNS normal prions (PrP^Cs), both of which are indispensable for myelinogenesis and myelin maintenance. EGF levels are significantly lower in the cerebrospinal fluid and spinal cord of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), which probably explains remyelination failure, also because of the EGF marginal role in immunology. When repeatedly administered, EGF protects mouse spinal cord from demyelination in various experimental models of autoimmune encephalomyelitis. It would be worth further investigating the role of EGF in the pathogenesis of MS because of its multifarious effects.

Breast cancer cells and macrophages in a paracrine-juxtacrine loop

Breast cancer cells (BCC) and macrophages are known to interact via epidermal growth factor (EGF) produced by macrophages and colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) produced by BCC. Despite contradictory findings, this interaction is perceived as a paracrine loop. Further, the underlying mechanism of interaction remains unclear. Here, we investigated interactions of BCC with macrophages in 2D and 3D. While both BCC and macrophages showed invasion/chemotaxis to fetal bovine serum, only macrophages showed chemotaxis to BCC in custom designed 3D cell-on-a-chip devices. These results were in agreement with gradient simulation results and ELISA results showing that macrophage-derived-EGF was not secreted into macrophage-conditioned-medium. Live cell imaging of BCC in the presence and absence of iressa showed that macrophages but not macrophage-derived-matrix modulated adhesion and motility of BCC in 2D. 3D co-culture experiments in collagen and matrigel showed that BCC changed their multicellular organization in the presence of macrophages. In custom designed 3D co-culture cell-on-a-chip devices, macrophages promoted and reduced migration of BCC in collagen and matrigel, respectively. Furthermore, adherent but not suspended BCC endocytosed EGFR when in contact with macrophages. Collectively, our data revealed that macrophages showed chemotaxis towards BCC whereas BCC required direct contact to interact with macrophage-derived-EGF. Therefore, we propose that the interaction between cancer cells and macrophages is a paracrine-juxtacrine loop of CSF-1 and EGF, respectively.