ABSTRACT
Wound and its complications have posed a major challenge to man over the years and complications resulting from it can be life threatening. Wound healing results in the elaboration of various growth factors and their receptors. One of such growth factor and its receptor is the Epidermal Growth Factor and Epidermal Growth Factor receptor. The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is transmembrane proteins that regulate the intracellular effects of ligands such as Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-α (TGFα). In wound healing, EGFR signalling regulates cell adhesion, expression of matrix-degrading proteinases and cell locomotion. Various agents have been developed for wound care. Wound care still poses a challenge despite the advancements in wound care. The aim of this study was to Evaluate wound healing outcomes and levels of expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors following multimodal wound Care in Wistar Rats. The objectives of this study was to investigate changes in levels of EGFR in wounded skin in rats using honey, dermazine, normal saline, sufra tulle, shae butter, Jatropha curcas and Jatropha multifida as dressing agents; To determine the wound healing effects of these agent by comparing the healing duration of these wounds; determine the levels of expression EGFR using morphometric method. This study was a prospective study which involved the use of 60 adult Wistar rats which were placed in 10 groups with each group consisting of six rats. Wounds were created and treated with honey, Jatropha curcas, normal saline, dermazine, sufratulle, Jatropha multifida, shea butter and 10% povidone iodine for groups Hon, JC, NS, Der, SF, JM, SB, and PRO respectively. Group CW had wound without treatment. Group CNW was the control group with no wound. Skin biopsies were obtained weekly and at the end of the intervention. These were subjected to histological examination and histochemical analysis to estimate the expression of EGFR. Blood samples were taken for electrolyte, urea and creatinine and full blood count. Data obtained was recorded in charts and graphs. This data was subjected to statistical analysis, using SPSS version 22, to ascertain the correlation of these variables with outcome. Jatropha multifida and shea butter accelerated wound healing with strongly positive expression of EGFR. Shea butter had the highest expression of EGFR per power field. None of the agent was nephrotoxic. All the dressing agents had no effect on full blood count except sufratulle. In conclusion shae butter and Jatropha multifida accelerated wound healing when compared to other agents, with a strongly positive expression of epidermal growth factor receptor. I will recommend that Shea butter and Jatropha multifida be considered as standard wound care agents. Key words: wound; wound healing; Epidermal Growth Factor and Epidermal Growth Factor receptor.
