Investigation of the effect of EGF on burn healing in a second-degree burn model created in rats

Investigation of the Effect of EGF on Burn Healing in a Second-Degree Burn Model Created in Rats Introduction: Burn injuries lead to serious health problems, prolong hospital stays, and increase mortality rates. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a growth factor that promotes cellular proliferation, accelerates epithelialization, and plays a critical role in wound healing. Studies on the role of EGF in wound healing are limited. In this study, an experimental burn model was created to evaluate the effects of EGF on burn healing, and EGF was compared with other commonly used treatment methods. Method: The study was conducted on a total of 33 rats. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, Silverdin-Furasin (S-F) group, and EGF group. Second-degree burns were induced on the dorsal regions of the rats, and wound healing processes were evaluated on days 7, 14, and 21 using histopathological and biochemical methods. Parameters such as reepithelialization, fibroblast activity, inflammation, and angiogenesis were analyzed. Results: In the EGF-treated group, the reepithelialization rate significantly increased on days 7 and 14 (p<0.05), while inflammation levels significantly decreased (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of angiogenesis and collagen production. An increase in fibroblast count was observed on day 14, but this difference disappeared by day 21. Conclusion: EGF appears to be a promising agent in burn treatment due to its accelerating effects on epithelialization and reducing inflammation. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on angiogenesis and collagen production. The findings of this study indicate the necessity for further studies on the use of EGF in burn treatment. Keywords: Epidermal Growth Factor, Burn Treatment, Reepithelialization, Experimental Burn Model.