The use of epidermal growth factor in dermatological practice

Epidermal growth factor-incorporated hydrogen bond crosslinked hemostatic microparticles capable of timely response to accidental bleeding for prehospital rescue

Prehospital rescue of accidental massive bleeding is crucial for saving lives. However, currently available hemostatic materials are still in infancy in treating accidental bleeding due to the challenges in fully satisfying the complex outdoor hemostatic requirements. Herein, we designed an epidermal growth factor (EGF)- incorporated, microparticle-formed, high-strength, dynamic environment-stable hemostatic gel system for prehospital rescue. Carboxyl and dimethylamide were employed as the hydrogen bond (H-bond) groups and were carefully engineered into the microparticles (DHMs). We demonstrated that the unique H-bond crosslinked micronized structure enabled the DHM-based gelling system to adequately meet the outdoor hemostatic requirements. The stable H-bond groups allow the DHMs to be stored at room temperature and be easily carried around. The small sizes (150-250 μm) of the DHMs enabled the filling of irregular defects, and upon encountering water, these DHMs integrated into hydrogels (DHMs-gels) with high mechanical strength (1.61 MPa), strong tissue adhesiveness (66.5 kPa) and stable performance under dynamic environments. In vivo results showed that the EGF-incorporated DHMs-gels (DHMs-EGF gel) achieved a 100 % survival rate in a simulated rescue process and promoted wound healing. Simultaneously possessing multiple prehospital rescue-required properties, the hemostatic DHMs-EGF may become an effective tool for emergency rescue.

Extracellular Release of a Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase Correlates With Periodontal Disease Severity

AIM

Periodontal disease is driven by oral pathogens, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, and the release of inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines (e.g., TNF) or their receptors (e.g., IL-1R) are substrates of a disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs). In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of ADAMs on periodontal disease phenotypes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Western blot and FRET-based activity measurements of the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients were compared with those of infected (P. gingivalis) or cytokine-stimulated oral keratinocytes and primary human neutrophils, respectively. This was accompanied by an analysis of the released extracellular vesicles and MMP9 activity.

RESULTS

In the GCF of patients, ADAM8 protein expression and activity were correlated with disease stage, whereas ADAM10 protein expression was inversely correlated with disease stage. Infection and the resulting cytokine release orchestrated the release of soluble ADAM8 by oral keratinocytes and primary neutrophils as soluble ectodomain and on exosomes, respectively. Furthermore, ADAM8 regulated the release of ADAM10 and MMP9.

CONCLUSION

Dysregulation of cell-associated and extracellular ADAM proteolytic activity may be an essential regulatory element in the progression of periodontal disease driven by ADAM8. The influence of ADAM8 on disease onset and the evaluation of targeting ADAM8 as a potential and novel local treatment option should be addressed in future translational in vivo studies.

Molecular biological mechanisms of radiotherapy-induced skin injury occurrence and treatment

Radiotherapy-Induced Skin Injury (RISI) is radiation damage to normal skin tissue that primarily occurs during tumor Radiotherapy and occupational exposure. The risk of RISI is high due to the fact that the skin is not only the first body organ that ionizing radiation comes into contact with, but it is also highly sensitive to it, especially the basal cell layer and capillaries. Typical clinical manifestations of RISI include erythema, dry desquamation, moist desquamation, and ulcers, which have been established to significantly impact patient care and cancer treatment. Notably, our current understanding of RISI's pathological mechanisms and signaling pathways is inadequate, and no standard treatments have been established. Radiation-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, fibrosis, apoptosis, and cellular senescence are among the known mechanisms that interact and promote disease progression. Additionally, radiation can damage all cellular components and induce genetic and epigenetic changes, which play a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of skin injury. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms and pathways is crucial for exploring the potential therapeutic targets for RISI. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the key mechanisms and potential treatment methods for RISI, offering a reference for future research and development of treatment strategies.

Molecular farming expression of recombinant fusion proteins applied to skincare strategies

This review discusses the current research progress in molecular farming technology in the field of skincare, with an emphasis on molecular farming expression strategies. The strategies of transdermal drug delivery and their advantages are also highlighted. The expression of cosmetically relevant fused proteins has become an important way to enhance the efficacy of the proteins. Therefore, we also discuss the feasibility and strategies for expressing fusion proteins in A. thaliana, specifically the fusion of Epidermal growth factor (EGF) to a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), in which the production can be greatly enhanced via plant expression systems since these systems offer higher biosecurity, flexibility, and expansibility than prokaryotic, animal and mammalian expression systems. While the fusion of EGF to CCP can enhance its transdermal ability, the effects of the fusion protein on skin repair, melasma, whitening, and anti-aging are poorly explored. Beyond this, fusing proteins with transdermal peptides presents multiple possibilities for the development of tissue repair and regeneration therapeutics, as well as cosmetics and beauty products. As certain plant extracts are known to contain proteins beneficial for skin health, the expression of these proteins in plant systems will better maintain their integrity and biological activities, thereby facilitating the development of more effective skincare products.

Functional-hydrogel-based electronic-skin patch for accelerated healing and monitoring of skin wounds

Conductive hydrogels feature reasonable electrical performance as well as tissue-like mechanical softness, thus positioning them as promising material candidates for soft bio-integrated electronics. Despite recent advances in materials and their processing technologies, however, facile patterning and monolithic integration of functional hydrogels (e.g., conductive, low-impedance, adhesive, and insulative hydrogels) for all-hydrogel-based soft bioelectronics still poses significant challenges. Here, we report material design, fabrication, and integration strategies for an electronic-skin (e-skin) patch based on functional hydrogels. The e-skin patch was fabricated by using photolithography-compatible functional hydrogels, such as poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) hydrogel (substrate), Ag flake hydrogel (interconnection; conductivity: ∼571.43 S/cm), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene:polystyrene) (PEDOT:PSS) hydrogel (working electrode; impedance: ∼69.84 Ω @ 1 Hz), polydopamine (PDA) hydrogel (tissue adhesive; shear strength: ∼725.1 kPa), and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel (encapsulation). The properties of these functional hydrogels closely resemble those of human tissues in terms of water content and Young's modulus, enabling stable tissue-device interfacing in dynamically changing physiological environments. We demonstrated the efficacy of the e-skin patch through its application to accelerated healing and monitoring of skin wounds in mouse models - efficient fibroblast migration, proliferation, and differentiation promoted by electric field (EF) stimulation and iontophoretic drug delivery, and monitoring of the accelerated healing process through impedance mapping. The all-hydrogel-based e-skin patch is expected to create new opportunities for various clinically-relevant tissue interfacing applications.

Efficacy of a Combination Treatment of Ablative Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy and Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor for Atrophic Acne Scars

BACKGROUND

Atrophic acne scars (AAS) are disfiguring and permanent changes caused by inflammatory acne. Fractional carbon dioxide is a common ablative device used to treat this condition. However, issues such as unclear effectiveness, frequent treatments, and potential side effects exist. In recent years, recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) has also been frequently reported for its application in the treatment of acne scars.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potential synergistic effect of fractional carbon dioxide laser combined with rhEGF in AAS treatment.

METHODS

We enrolled 15 patients with AAS. They received fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment and were then randomly assigned to receive either rhEGF or a placebo on one side of the face. The procedure was repeated three times, and the results were evaluated using the échelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné (ECCA) score and analyzed using the CBS camera system, 3D analysis (3DMD). Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) examination was also conducted.

RESULTS

Both sides exhibited significant improvement in the appearance of the acne scars after treatment, as confirmed by the ECCA score, 3DMD data, and CBS texture score. On the rhEGF-treated side, the pore number and epidermal pigment area significantly improved as compared to the control side, whereas no significant differences were observed in the other data. Under RCM, a significant increase in epidermal thickness and appearance of reticular collagen fibers in the dermal layer after treatment was observed.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the sole use of laser, the combination of fractional carbon dioxide laser and rhEGF does not significantly enhance scar therapeutic effects. However, it does shorten the recovery period after laser treatment and improves the pore appearance.

Experimental Study of Ultra-Pulsed CO 2 Fractional Laser Combined With Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor Gel in the Treatment of Eyelid Keloid

OBJECTIVE

Keloid (KD) and hypertrophic scars are prevalent and result from excessive growth of dermal tissue after skin damage. This review focused on the clinical application of the ultra-pulsed CO 2 fractional laser combined with recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rHEGF) gel in patients with eyelid KD.

METHODS

Patients (N = 98) with KD who underwent surgery were randomly divided into a study group (ultra-pulsed CO 2 fractional laser combined with rHEGF gel therapy, N = 49) and a control group (ultra-pulsed CO 2 fractional laser therapy, N = 49). Besides, 5 cases dropped out of the study, including 2 cases in the study group and 3 cases in the control group. Finally, 47 cases of the study group and 46 cases of the study group were included in the analysis. The clinical baseline data such as sex, age, body mass index, scar area, etiology, Vancouver Scar Scale score, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale score, four-item itch questionnaire score, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α level expression were recorded in the study group (N = 47) and the control group (N = 46).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, scar area, etiology, Vancouver Scar Scale score, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale score, 4-item itch questionnaire score, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels between the patients treated with ultra-pulse CO 2 fractional laser + rHEGF gel and those only treated with ultra-pulse CO 2 fractional laser ( p > 0.05). Vancouver Scar Scale scores, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale scores, and four-item itch questionnaire scores of patients with eyelid KD decreased to a greater extent than those treated with ultra-pulsed CO 2 fractional laser combined with rHEGF gel ( p <0.01). Compared with ultra-pulsed CO 2 fractional laser treatment, ultra-pulsed CO 2 fractional laser combined with rHEGF gel was more efficacious in treating patients with eyelid KD, with a lower incidence of adverse effects and a 1-year recurrence rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultra-pulsed CO 2 fractional laser combined with rHEGF gel can significantly improve the scar status and scar itching in patients with eyelid KD, with an obvious therapeutic effect, a low incidence of adverse effects, a 1-year recurrence rate, and high safety, which is worthy of popularization and application.

Silk fibroin biohydrogel composites for loading and ordered release of multiple active ingredients with enhanced bioactivity

Bioactive hydrogels are currently receiving significant attention. In this study, silk fibroin tyramine-modified gelatin hydrogels (SF-TG) with varying degrees of tyramine root substitution were explored. The physicochemical property and biocompatibility of low degree of substitution tyramine-modified gelatin hydrogel (SF-LTG) and high degree of substitution tyramine-modified gelatin hydrogel (SF-HTG) were compared. The results showed that SF-LTG possessed better mechanical property and higher biocompatibility. Thus, SF-LTG was selected as a bioactive matrix and loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF); subsequently, curcumin-coupled chitosan rods (CCCRs-EGF) enriched with epidermal growth factor (EGF) were added to obtain SF-LTG-bFGF@CCCRs-EGF hydrogels. The results showed that SF-LTG-bFGF@CCCRs-EGF retained the basic structural and mechanical properties of the SF-LTG matrix gel material and underwent multiple loading and orderly release with different activities while displaying antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pro-cellular proliferation activities and orderly regulation of activity during wound healing. Therefore, the SF-LTG-bFGF@CCCRs-EGF hydrogel is of great value in healing complex wounds.

Recombinant human epidermal growth factor-loaded liposomes and transferosomes for dermal delivery: Development, characterization, and cytotoxicity evaluation

Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) is widely utilized as an antiaging compound in wound-healing therapies and cosmetic purposes. However, topical administration of rhEGF has limited treatment outcomes because of its poor percutaneous penetration and rapid proteinase degradation. To overcome these obstacles, this study aims to develop and characterize rhEGF-containing conventional liposomes (rhEGF-CLs) and transferosomes (rhEGF-TFs) as efficient dermal carriers. Physicochemical characterization such as particle size, zeta potential (ZP), morphology, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), and release properties of nanocarriers as well as in vitro cytotoxicity in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell lines were investigated. rhEGF-TFs at the rhEGF concentration ranging from 0.05 to 1.0 μg/mL were chosen as the optimum formulation due to the desired release profile, acceptable EE%, optimal cell proliferation, and minimal cytotoxicity compared to the control and free rhEGF. However, higher concentrations caused a decrease in cell viability. The ratio 20:80 of Tween 80 to lipid was optimal for rhEGF-TFs-2, which had an average diameter of 233.23 ± 2.64 nm, polydispersity index of 0.33 ± 0.05, ZP of -15.46 ± 0.29 mV, and EE% of 60.50 ± 1.91. The formulations remained stable at 5°C for at least 1 month. TEM and SEM microscopy revealed that rhEGF-TFs-2 had a regular shape and unilamellar structure. In vitro drug release studies confirmed the superiority of rhEGF-TFs-2 in terms of optimal cumulative release of rhEGF approximately 82% within 24 h. Franz diffusion cell study showed higher rhEGF-TFs-2 skin permeation compared to free rhEGF solution. Taken together, we concluded that rhEGF-TFs can be used as a promising formulation for wound healing and skin regeneration products.

Production of recombinant human epidermal growth factor fused with HaloTag protein and characterisation of its biological functions

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) protein is a crucial biomolecule involved in regulating cell growth, proliferation, migration and differentiation, which is used in various therapeutic applications, such as wound healing and tissue regeneration. The production of recombinant EGF is essential for studying its biological function and for its clinical translation. However, EGF protein expressed in prokaryotic cells often occurs in inclusion bodies, and co-expression with soluble tag protein is an effective method to prepare recombinant EGF. In this study, we expressed recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) fused to a HaloTag (Halo-rhEGF) and a large portion of Halo-rhEGF was found in the soluble fraction. Cell growth assay showed that the purified Halo-rhEGF protein could promote the proliferation of fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) and epithelial cells (HaCaT), and significantly increased their viability. Phosphorylation of the intracellular signaling proteins, ERK1/2 and c-Jun, was stimulated by treatment with Halo-rhEGF and the expression levels of proteins regulating cell proliferation were significantly increased. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that rhEGF could increase the transcription of genes enriched in ribosome generation and cell proliferation. Moreover, Halo-rhEGF can be labelled by HaloTag ligand for fluorescence imaging and can be slowly released in tissue repair by binding to anion biomaterials. In conclusion, HaloTag is an efficient fusion tag for rhEGF protein expression, purification and controlled release, and Halo-rhEGF can promote the proliferation and viability of epithelial and fibroblast cells.

Development of an Emulgel for the Effective Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: Biocompatibility and Clinical Investigation

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common dermatological disease affecting both children and adults. No drug-free emulgel has been developed and studied in vitro and in vivo for the treatment of AD. The aim of this study was to develop and assess the efficacy of a topical emulgel containing hyaluronic acid, glycerol, Calendula officinalis, Aloe vera, polyphenols and EGF for the concomitant treatment in patients with AD aged over 14. Objective skin barrier function parameters were included, such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin temperature, pH, stratum corneum hydration, skin elasticity and erythema. The subjective opinion of the patients was determined including acceptability, absorption, comfort of use and tolerability, as well as the degree of improvement in patients' quality of life. We observed an improvement in the subjective parameters studied and statistically significant differences in the objective parameters. Specifically, we found an improvement in TEWL (p = 0.006), erythema (p = 0.008) and hydration (p < 0.001), parameters indicating an improvement in the epidermal barrier. One hundred per cent of patients were satisfied with the product. Therefore, these results suggest that the product may contribute to the treatment of AD.

Cytokine Dynamics in Acute Pancreatitis: The Quest for Biomarkers from Acute Disease to Disease Resolution

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas with incompletely known pathogenic mechanisms. This study aimed to explore the temporal changes in serum cytokines in patients with AP and to assess the association of these changes with disease severity. Methods: Fifty patients hospitalized with AP were enrolled, and their serum cytokine levels were analyzed at four different time points. A healthy control (HC) group of 30 outpatients was included. Results: AP patients showed increased levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 at admission when compared with HC. IL-6, VEGF, and EGF remained elevated 1 month after hospitalization and 6 months after discharge. Conclusions the Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) and severity classification of the revised Atlanta classification system, IL-6 and VEGF, determined 48 h after hospitalization, were the two cytokines consistently elevated in the most severe patients. Increased levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha at admission and MCP-1 48 h after admission are also related to the length of hospital stay. Conclusions: Our study highlights the role cytokines play in the pathogenesis of AP and can be useful in the development of future drug trials for AP.

Elucidating the mechanism of corneal epithelial cell repair: unraveling the impact of growth factors

The repair mechanism for corneal epithelial cell injuries encompasses migration, proliferation, and differentiation of corneal epithelial cells, and extracellular matrix remodeling of the stromal structural integrity. Furthermore, it involves the consequential impact of corneal limbal stem cells (LSCs). In recent years, as our comprehension of the mediating mechanisms underlying corneal epithelial injury repair has advanced, it has become increasingly apparent that growth factors play a pivotal role in this intricate process. These growth factors actively contribute to the restoration of corneal epithelial injuries by orchestrating responses and facilitating specific interactions at targeted sites. This article systematically summarizes the role of growth factors in corneal epithelial cell injury repair by searching relevant literature in recent years, and explores the limitations of current literature search, providing a certain scientific basis for subsequent basic research and clinical applications.

The potential cutaneous benefits of edible bird's nest

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is composed of the solidified saliva of swiftlet birds. EBN has been extremely popular in Asian culture for centuries. They are often consumed as a delicacy in the form of bird's nest soup and are believed to have numerous skin benefits. In light of EBN's growing popularity and significant cultural importance, we aim provide a comprehensive review of EBN's potential dermatologic benefits and role in photoaging, anti-inflammation, wound healing, skin barrier enhancement, and skin whitening. While in vitro, in vivo, and preliminary clinical trial results are promising, there is a need for future human clinical research to further validate these findings and establish EBN's efficacy and safety for dermatologic applications.

The Effects of Ellagic Acid on Experimental Corrosive Esophageal Burn Injury

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effect of Ellagic acid (EA) on wound healing in sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-induced corrosive esophageal burn injury. The interaction networks and functional annotations were conducted using Cytoscape software. A total of 24 Wistar albino rats were divided into control, corrosive esophageal burn (CEB) and CEB + EA groups. Burn injury was created by 20% NaOH and 30 mg/kg EA was per oral administered to rats. At the end of the 28-day experimental period, Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was measured. Esophageal tissue samples were processed for histological staining. The EA-target interaction network was revealed to be involved in regulating crucial cellular mechanisms for burn wound healing, with epidermal growth factor (EGF) identified as a central mediator. An increase in animal weight in the CEB + EA group was observed in the EA-treated group after CEB injury. Burn injury increased MDA content, but EA treatment decreased its level after CEB injury. Stenosis index, collagen degeneration, inflammation, fibrosis and necrosis levels were increased after CEB injury. EA treatment improved histopathology in the CEB + EA group compared to the CEB group. The expression of EGF was decreased in the CEB group but upregulated in the EA-treated group, suggesting a potential involvement of EA in cellular processes and tissue regeneration. EA, through its antioxidative and tissue regenerative properties, significantly contributes to alleviating the adverse effects of CEB injury, promoting wound healing.

A Comprehensive Review on Platelet-Rich Plasma Activation: A Key Player in Accelerating Skin Wound Healing

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) activation is emerging as a promising and multifaceted tool for accelerating skin wound healing. This review extensively examines PRP's role in wound healing, focusing on its composition, mechanisms of action, activation methods, and clinical applications. PRP's potential to enhance both chronic and acute wound healing and its applications in cosmetic and aesthetic procedures are explored. Furthermore, this review investigates safety concerns, including adverse reactions, infection risks, and long-term safety implications. Looking to the future, emerging technologies, combination therapies, personalized medicine approaches, and regulatory developments are discussed, pointing towards an important and transformative era in wound healing and regenerative medicine. With its wide-ranging implications for healthcare, PRP activation has the potential to become a ubiquitous and essential therapeutic option, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Tea polyphenols (TPP) as a promising wound healing agent: TPP exerts multiple and distinct mechanisms at different phases of wound healing in a mouse model

Polyphenols have been widely used to treat various chronic skin diseases because they are beneficial in wound healing and show anti-inflammatory effects, however, the mechanism of action remains ambiguous. Previously, we reported the wound healing capability of tea polyphenols (TPP), the major functional component of tea, in vivo. The current study aimed to address the mechanisms of TPP in wound healing during different phases (inflammation, proliferation and remodeling). During the inflammation phase, TPP reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and inhibited infiltration of neutrophils; during the proliferation phase, TPP promoted the expression of growth factor VEGF-A, which can promote vascular endothelial cell division and induce angiogenesis; TPP improved the morphology of the wound and restored the ratio of type III/I collagens during the remodeling phase, as determined by Masson-trichrome staining and Sirius red staining assays. By tracking the changes in the wound area, TPP and recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF), rather than povidone-iodine (PVP-I), were able to promote wound healing. These results suggest that TPP plays a pivotal role in all the key stages of wound healing and displays distinct mechanisms from rhEGF, suggesting clinical significance for the future application of TPP as a natural wound healing agent.

Characterization and Classification In Silico of Peptides with Dual Activity (Antimicrobial and Wound Healing)

The growing challenge of chronic wounds and antibiotic resistance has spotlighted the potential of dual-function peptides (antimicrobial and wound healing) as novel therapeutic strategies. The investigation aimed to characterize and correlate in silico the physicochemical attributes of these peptides with their biological activity. We sourced a dataset of 207 such peptides from various peptide databases, followed by a detailed analysis of their physicochemical properties using bioinformatic tools. Utilizing statistical tools like clustering, correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA), patterns and relationships were discerned among these properties. Furthermore, we analyzed the peptides' functional domains for insights into their potential mechanisms of action. Our findings spotlight peptides in Cluster 2 as efficacious in wound healing, whereas Cluster 1 peptides exhibited pronounced antimicrobial potential. In our study, we identified specific amino acid patterns and peptide families associated with their biological activities, such as the cecropin antimicrobial domain. Additionally, we found the presence of polar amino acids like arginine, cysteine, and lysine, as well as apolar amino acids like glycine, isoleucine, and leucine. These characteristics are crucial for interactions with bacterial membranes and receptors involved in migration, proliferation, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation. While this study provides a groundwork for therapeutic development, translating these findings into practical applications necessitates additional experimental and clinical research.

Combination of Pinocembrin and Epidermal Growth Factor Enhances the Proliferation and Survival of Human Keratinocytes

Re-epithelialization is delayed in aged skin due to a slow rate of keratinocyte proliferation, and this may cause complications. Thus, there has been development of new therapies that increase treatment efficacy for skin wounds. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been clinically used, but this agent is expensive, and its activity is less stable. Therefore, a stable compound possessing EGF-like properties may be an effective therapy, especially when combined with EGF. The current study discovered that pinocembrin (PC) effectively synergized with EGF in increasing keratinocyte viability. The combination of PC and EGF significantly enhanced the proliferation and wound closure rate of the keratinocyte monolayer through activating the phosphorylation of ERK and Akt. Although these effects of PC were like those of EGF, we clearly proved that PC did not transactivate EGFR. Recent data from a previous study revealed that PC activates G-protein-coupled receptor 120 which further activates ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation. Therefore, this clearly indicates that PC possesses a unique property to stimulate the growth and survival of keratinocytes through activating a different receptor, which subsequently conveys the signal to cross-talk with the effector kinases downstream of the EGFR, suggesting that PC is a potential compound to be combined with EGF.