Regenerative Properties of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin in the Wound Healing

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Epidermal Growth Factor, and Epithelialization Analysis on Full-Thickness Wound Applied with Topical Erythropoietin

BACKGROUND: Skin wounds are a major challenge, such as full-thickness wounds that need a long time to heal. However, the addition of erythropoietin can accelerate the wound healing process. AIM: This study was aimed to determine the effect of topical erythropoietin administration on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and epithelialization in the wound healing process. METHODS: This was randomized controlled trial. Full-thickness wounds were created on the back of each white rat. No treatment was administered in the control group (n=16), and topical erythropoietin was applied in the treatment group (n=16). The rats were euthanized on day 3 and day 6 post-surgery, respectively. The expression levels of VEGF, EGF, and microscopic epithelialization rate were examined. RESULTS: The level of EGF expression in the treatment group increased significantly on day 3 by 2.84 times compared to the control group and on day 6 increased to 4.89 times compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The level of VEGF expression in the treatment group on day 3 increased 2.18 times compared to the control group and on day 6 increased to 2.65 times compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, epithelialization in the treatment group on day 3 increased 1.3 times compared to the control group and on day 6 increased up to 7.62 times compared to the control group (p < 0.001). CONLUSION: Topical administration of erythropoietin could increase the expression of VEGF, EGF, and epithelialization in both early inflammatory and proliferative phases.

Bioactive Agent-Loaded Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes for Accelerating Healing Process: A Review

Despite the advances that have been achieved in developing wound dressings to date, wound healing still remains a challenge in the healthcare system. None of the wound dressings currently used clinically can mimic all the properties of normal and healthy skin. Electrospinning has gained remarkable attention in wound healing applications because of its excellent ability to form nanostructures similar to natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Electrospun dressing accelerates the wound healing process by transferring drugs or active agents to the wound site sooner. This review provides a concise overview of the recent developments in bioactive electrospun dressings, which are effective in treating acute and chronic wounds and can successfully heal the wound. We also discuss bioactive agents used to incorporate electrospun wound dressings to improve their therapeutic potential in wound healing. In addition, here we present commercial dressings loaded with bioactive agents with a comparison between their features and capabilities. Furthermore, we discuss challenges and promises and offer suggestions for future research on bioactive agent-loaded nanofiber membranes to guide future researchers in designing more effective dressing for wound healing and skin regeneration.