Stimulation of growth factor synthesis in skin wounds using tissue extract (G‐90) from the earthworm Eissenia foetida

Abstract Growth factors are biologically‐active mediators that bind to specific receptors on target cells and regulate genes involved in cell growth, wound healing and regeneration. In the case of wound healing, a proper wound dressing is needed to cover the wound area, protect the damaged tissue, and if possible to activate cell proliferation and stimulate the healing process. In this study we examined the efficacy of a glycolipoprotein tissue homogenate extract from Eisenia foetida (G‐90) to activate signal transduction pathways, leading to wound healing. We measured the activation of EGF and FGF in healthy skin, in wounds with physiological healing and in wounds treated with G‐90. The activation of EGF and FGF was measured during the first 24 h of wound healing under both physiological conditions and treatment with G‐90. In both cases an increased concentration of EGF and FGF was observed 6 h after wounding. In comparison with healthy skin, the concentration of EGF increased 10‐fold and FGF five‐fold in wounds treated with G‐90 (10 ng ml −1 ). Healing in physiological conditions resulted in a two‐fold increase of EGF and 1.5‐fold of FGF. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.