The effect of human recombinant epidermal growth factor on neovascularization and pedicle division time in a rat interpolation flap model

Authors

Aziz PARSPANCI, Bayburt State Hospital: TC Saglik Bakanligi Bayburt Devlet HastanesiFollow
Yavuz KEÇECİ, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, TurkiyeFollow
Peyker TEMİZ, Department of Pathology, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Manisa, TurkiyeFollow

DOI

10.55730/1300-0144.5812

Abstract

Background/aim: In practice, waiting 2–3 weeks for interpolation flaps pedicle division result in certain morbidities and discomfort for patient. The division time of flap pedicle depends on neovascularization from the recipient bed and includes wound healing stages. We aimed to investigate the effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) on the flap viability during early pedicle division.Materials and methods: Thirty-six rats were allocated to two main groups as control and study. A cranial based flap measuring 5 × 5 cm was elevated from the back, including all layers of the skin. While the cranial half of the defect was primarily closed, the flap was inset into the distal half. In the study group, a single dose of 20 μg EGF was injected into the recipient site and wound edges before the flap inset. The control group received no treatment. Each main group was divided into three subgroups based on pedicle division time of 8, 11 and 14 days. After pedicle division, each flap was monitored and photographed for 7 days, and histopathological samples were collected. Viable and necrotic areas were compared, and flaps were examined histopathologically.Results: The necrosis area in the study group on the 11th day was significantly lower than that in the control group. The fibroblastic activity, granulation tissue and neovascularization on the 8th day, the granulation tissue level on the 11th day, and the neovascularization level on the 14th day were significantly higher in the study groups.Conclusion: Following the application of EGF, the necrosis area decreased within the study group. Histopathological assessments revealed a statistically significant increase in parameters related to granulation tissue and fibroblastic activity, notably neovascularization, across all subgroups within the study. It was concluded that the use of EGF positively affected the neovascularization, and flaps could be divided earlier.

Keywords

Interpolation flap, pedicle division, recombinant human epidermal growth factor

First Page

471

Last Page

482

Recommended Citation

PARSPANCI, Aziz; KEÇECİ, Yavuz; and TEMİZ, Peyker (2024) "The effect of human recombinant epidermal growth factor on neovascularization and pedicle division time in a rat interpolation flap model," Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences: Vol. 54: No. 2, Article 13. https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0144.5812
Available at: https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/medical/vol54/iss2/13