Epidermal growth factor is a polypeptide that regenerates epidermal cells. Its action is manifested not only at the cellular, but also at the molecular level. It is expressed in slowing down the aging of the skin. The EGF factor was studied and discovered back in the 60s. 20th century by American professor Stanley Cohen. His discovery was highly appreciated, and in 1986 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine as a sign of this. Today, this factor has received the widest application in many areas of medicine and cosmetology.
Its structure and how it works?
Epidermal growth factor (EGF - urogastron) is a complex compound, more precisely a polypeptide with a molecular weight of 6054 d altons, consisting of 53 amino acids. It was first isolated from the salivary glands of mice. It was later found in other he althy and diseased tissues as well.
EpidermalEGF growth factor has been found in all human biological fluids - blood, urine, CSF, saliva, digestive juices, milk.
But for it to work, it needs receptors - EGFR. The epidermal growth factor receptor is a molecule in the cell membrane that initiates signaling into the cell.
EGF acts through the membrane receptor EGFR, which belongs to the ErbB receptor family.
As a result of complex reactions, after interacting with its receptors, EGF causes phosphorylation of proteins that cause mRNA synthesis. This activates the transcription of genes responsible for cell growth.
Why is EGF only available now?
It was established not only the content of the factor in the tissues and fluids of the body, but it was also revealed that a person has it from birth. But in the process of life, it is gradually excreted from the body through urine, which explains its second name.
EGF was originally isolated from urine only. Did you know that to get even 1 g of EGF, you need to process up to 200 thousand liters of urine? Such a gram cost about $2 million.
For the use of mankind everywhere, it was unrealistic. The situation changed only at the beginning of the 21st century, when bioengineering with nanotechnologies began to be used.
The cost of this miracle remedy has been reduced by a thousand times and has become available to everyone. Also, due to vacuum packaging, the long-term preservation of EGF has become a reality.
Substance formula
Data on the formula of epidermal growth factor is not yet available. It refers to regenerants and reparants. Pharmacological action - wound healing, and also stimulates epithelialization and regeneration.
EGF feature today
Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (EGFR) is a highly purified peptide produced by the activity of baker's yeast 96, 102 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain), in whose genome the EGFR gene has been introduced.
Genome is a set of genes in a set of chromosomes, and genetic engineering can influence it. The EGFR gene, in turn, is obtained on the basis of recombinant proteins. These are proteins whose DNA is artificially created.
According to the mechanism of action, such a derived growth factor is identical to the endogenous one, which is produced in the body itself.
EGFR in the skin and tissues stimulates the growth of cells needed to heal injuries; enhances epithelialization, scarring and restores skin elasticity.
Pharmacokinetics
EGFR is not present in plasma but is found in platelets (approximately 500 mmol/1012 platelets). Therefore, it is possible to obtain autologous epidermal growth factor.
What is this? Autologous epidermal growth factor - in fact, used to refer to transplantation, when tissue for transplantation is taken from the recipient himself. In this case, this role is played by the plasma.
Autologous plasma isplatelet plasma prepared from an autologous blood sample from a vein, which is then centrifuged.
It turns out a drug for injection into areas that need treatment or restoration. Injections are performed subcutaneously, or a dressing is moistened with it and applied to the wound.
Topical application of human recombinant epidermal growth factor to a burn wound surface does not cause its absorption into the blood.
Indications
Indications:
- Treatment of a diabetic foot with diabetes, when deep wounds larger than 1 cm have formed that have not healed for more than a month2, which have already reached the ligaments, tendons and bones.
- Trophic ulcers due to endarteriosis, venous disorders.
- Burns of any depth and degree; bedsores.
- Traumatic damage to the skin, after cosmetic or surgical interventions; non-healing stumps.
- Ulcers after the introduction of cytostatics, frostbite.
A rather large list can be supplemented by the treatment of dermatitis after radiation.
Doses and method of administration of EGF
Epidermal human recombinant growth factor is administered in a combined composition in the form of injections, and with silver sulfadiazine it is used topically, externally.
Injection use - only in a hospital, with sterile gloves.
The wound is pre-cleaned with sterile saline. solution and sterile drygauze pads, then chipped with factor.
When the size of ulcers is more than 10 cm2, 10 injections of 0.5 ml are carried out. The introduction is made evenly, along the edges of the wound, and then in its bed. The depth of needle insertion is not more than 5 mm. If the wound is less than 10 cm2 - the calculation is done at 0.5 ml per 1 cm2.
So, for the treatment of a 4 cm wound2 - there will be 4 injections. Each of them is made with a new sterile needle to exclude any infection.
At the end of the manipulation, the surface of the ulcer is covered with a neutral atraumatic bandage or it is moistened to create moisture in the physical. solution.
Injections are carried out at least 3 times a week until granulation tissue is formed covering the entire wound surface.
Treatment can last up to 2 months. The calculation is in progress - 1 bottle for 1 person.
If granulations do not appear, it is necessary to check for the presence of osteomyelitis or a local infectious process. Local application of growth factor is made in combination with a silver compound, at any stage of the wound.
The wound is also pre-treated with antiseptic solutions and dried. Then a 1-2 mm ointment pea is applied to the wound. Unused balances and an expired factor are not subject to storage, they are disposed of.
Side effects
Adverse reactions in percentage terms were identified as follows:
- 10-30% experienced shivering and chills;
- 24, 0% - pain and burning at the injection site;
- y 4,4% - local infection;
- 3% had a fever.
Pain and burning may be related to the insertion process itself. All side effects were temporary, not severe, and did not require discontinuation of the drug.
Contraindications for use
Possible contraindications:
- complications of diabetes – ketoacidosis, coma;
- decompensated cardiac activity: CHF 3-4 stages;
- arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation;
- 3rd degree AV block;
- OSSN - as part of MI, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, PE;
- oncology;
- wound necrosis;
- OPN;
- osteomyelitis.
Relative contraindications are pregnancy, breastfeeding and age under 18.
Epidermal Factor may be sold under different trade names:
- "Eberprot-P"®;
- "Ebermin" - a combination drug with silver sulfadiazine.
How does EGF work in cosmetics?
Scientists have found that age-related skin changes begin after 25 years. From now on, you should take special care of her. The amount of EGF content is directly proportional to the quality of the skin.
Natural EGF production in the skin is reduced. The result is thinning of the skin and loss of its tone. Therefore, the epidermal growth factor, a representative of the 4th generation of cosmetics, can be called the elixir of youth with complete success. It takes care of the skin at the molecular level. The rejuvenating complex is called: Time Passage - Turn Back the Time.
What does EGF do withskin?
Epidermal growth factor in cosmetology starts the whole process of skin renewal:
- synthesis of own elastin and collagen increases dramatically;
- density and elasticity of the skin returns to its former norm;
- pigmentation disappears;
- wrinkles are much reduced;
- any skin lesions heal quickly.
As a result, a pronounced rejuvenating effect is evident.
Which remedies contain the factor?
Epidermal growth factor is most used in Japanese and Korean anti-aging cosmetics. It can be found in anti-wrinkle serums, creams, hydrogel patches (strips of special tissue material soaked in nutrients), sheet masks, BB creams, and even moisturizing mists (water-based spray).
Even as little as 0.1% EGF content will work effectively, and the creators of the funds take advantage of this. Therefore, in the list of components, it often ranks last. Well, besides this factor, the composition also includes other moisturizing ingredients: snail mucin, collagen, adenosine, matrixyl and other peptides.
It is interesting that products with the epidermal factor in Asian countries are not exclusive, they are designed for the average consumer, these are middle-level cosmetics and even mass market.
Some of these brands are Secret Key, Mizon, Purebess, It'sSkin, Japanese DHC, Shiseido, Kanebo, Dr. Ci:Labo, etc. They all work.
European cosmetics also contain EGF, but these products belong to professional and selective product lines(eg Medik8) and are expensive.
Epidermal growth factor can be called: Human Epidermal Growth Factor (hEGF), HGF, Human EGF, rh-Oligo- or Polypeptide-1 (instead of 1 there may be other numbers), sh-Oligo- or Polypeptide-1, transforming growth factor TGF.
Reviews
Consumers in reviews of epidermal growth factor in creams call these products "bombs", and in a good way.
Korean cream "Mizon" - gives effect immediately after the first application. Many claim that they began to look as if they were sleeping at least 9 hours a day, and there was a feeling of cheerfulness. Users only dream that the funds are not discontinued and changed.
Customers say epidermal factor gel works best. We are talking about It'sskin, Purebess. The action is noted not only on the face, but also on the legs, bikini, etc. Serums with epidermal growth factors, for example, Bodyton, have even more good reviews. Reviews indicate that they perfectly rejuvenate, brighten and completely remove wrinkles. Women look at least 10-15 years younger. This is especially true for Japanese cosmetics.
A bit of tar
But is everything so great in the kingdom of the growth factor? Efficiency has been proven and shown, but there is one very dangerous minus. Exposure to growth factors also stimulates the growth of bad cells, not just he althy ones. It is dangerous for the development of skin cancer. So the choice is yours. As they say, no comments. In addition, TGF enhances the production of its own collagen so much thatthat scarring may appear.
