Preventive effects of recombinant human epidermal growth factor on the oesophageal epithelium in pigs subjected to sclerotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF), a small (relative molecular mass 6000) polypeptide with mitogenic properties in the protection of gastrointestinal mucosal integrity.


METHODS
A prospective, randomized and blinded study.


METHODS
Twenty-four minipigs with surgically induced portal hypertension underwent four consecutive weekly sessions of oesophageal sclerotherapy with 5 ml 1% polidocanol and were concomitantly treated with either a placebo or human recombinant EGF administered subcutaneously. Mucosal damage was evaluated on a weekly basis by endoscopic estimation of the size of the ulcerated area and by post-mortem morphometry. The EGF-induced morphological changes in the oesophageal epithelium were also evaluated histologically.


RESULTS
In sclerosed and non-sclerosed parts of the oesophagus EGF significantly increased the thickness of the oesophageal epithelium (P < 0.03), but failed to reduce significantly the degree of oesophageal damage associated with sclerotherapy (P = 0.11).


CONCLUSIONS
Systemic EGF treatment induces proliferation of the oesophageal mucosa, and EGF may therefore have the potential to reduce sclerotherapy-induced oesophageal damage.
Juhl
C O
CO
Institute of Experimental Clinical Research, University Hospital of Aarhus, Section Skejby, Denmark.
Vinter-Jensen
L
L
Jensen
L S
LS
Dajani
E Z
EZ
D000818:Animals; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature; D014456:Ulcer / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor