Investigation of epidermal growth factor containing liposome formulation effects on burn wound healing.

It was aimed to develop liposome formulations containing epidermal growth factor (EGF) and to investigate the healing effects of these formulations on second-degree burn wounds in rats. Multilamellar type liposomes containing EGF were prepared by film formation method. In vitro releases of EGF from liposome formulations were determined using spectrofluorometer. Second-degree standard burn wounds were formed on rats and liposome formulations containing 10 microg/mL EGF (ELP group), EGF solution (ES group), liposome without containing EGF (LP group), and Silverdine ointment (SIL group) were applied daily. Untreated control groups [unburned (S) and untreated (Y) rats] were also evaluated. Biopsies were taken at the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day of the treatment from the wounds and histological observations were performed under transmission electron microscope. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining technique was used for immunohistochemical analysis. After trichrome stainings, the thicknesses of the epidermis and the areas of the fibroblast nucleus were measured using a light microscope and Vision Screening Analysis Program. It was observed that the healing in the ELP group was the fastest among all groups (p < 0.05) at the 14th day of therapy. The healing effect in order from highest to lowest efficacy was found to be ELP>SIL>ES groups, respectively, at the 14th day. All results indicated that the EGF-liposome formulation is effective and can be used for the treatment of burn wounds. Copyright 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.