Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Previous studies demonstrated that the lack of endogenous recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) and the change of hemodynamic parameters will lead to nonunion.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of rhEGF combined with alprostadil on diabetic ulcers.
METHODS: Forty Wistar rat models of diabetic ulcers were established and randomly divided into four groups: control (1% povidone iodine for debridement), rhEGF (rhEGF gel for spreading), alprostadil (intravenous administration of alprostadil) and rhEGF + alprostadil (rhEGF gel for spreading combined with intravenous administration of alprostadil).
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: At 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after intervention, the area of diabetic ulcers was diminished, healing time was shortened, and dynamic healing rate of wound surface was increased in the alprostadil , rhEGF and alprostadil + rhEGF groups (P < 0.01). The therapeutic effects were superior in the alprostadil + rhEGF group to those in the rhEGF group and alprostadil group (P < 0.01). The therapeutic effects were similar between rhEGF group and alprostadil group. These findings suggest that rhEGF combined with alprostadil better promotes the healing of diabetic ulcers than simple use of rhEGF or alprostadil.