Comparative Effects of Epidermal and Fibroblast Growth Factor-Infused Collagen Patches on Wound Healing in a Full-Thickness Rat Model

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)- and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)-infused collagen patches on wound healing in an experimental rat model. The focus was on acute and chronic inflammation, granulation tissue formation, fibroblast maturation, re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and collagen remodeling. Full-thickness cranial wounds (12 mm) were created on the dorsal regions of 21 male Wistar rats and divided into four groups: Group 1 (collagen patch alone), Group 2 (collagen + EGF), Group 3 (collagen + FGF). The kaudal defects served as a chronic wound model with secondary intention healing, monitored for 21 days. Tissue biopsies were collected on days 3, 7, and 21. Histopathological evaluation included inflammation scores, granulation tissue formation, fibroblast maturation, re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and Type 1/Type 3 collagen ratio. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, and other appropriate post hoc tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Acute inflammation significantly decreased in Group 3 on day 7 (p = 0.001), while chronic inflammation was minimal by day 21 in Groups 1 and 3. Group 2 showed the highest granulation tissue formation on day 21 (p < 0.05). Fibroblast maturation peaked in Group 3 on day 21 (p = 0.004). Re-epithelialization was complete in Groups 1 and 3 by day 21, significantly outperforming Group 2 (p < 0.005). Group 3 demonstrated superior collagen deposition and the highest Type 1/Type 3 collagen ratio (p < 0.05). FGF-infused collagen patches significantly improved fibroblast maturation, epithelialization, and collagen remodeling, outperforming EGF and standalone collagen patches. These findings highlight the potential of FGF as a therapeutic agent in wound healing.