Stimulation of steroid-suppressed cutaneous healing by repeated topical application of IGF-I: different mechanisms of action based upon the mode of IGF-I delivery.

Background: Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is accepted as a potent stimulus of wound healing when applied in combination with its binding proteins. However, there is only one study published that has investigated the effect of repeated topical application of unbound IGF-I on ischemic wound healing. The aim of this study was to show the effect of daily topical IGF-I therapy on cutaneous ulcer healing in a steroid-suppressed wound model.

Lactate stimulates endothelial cell migration.

The significance of the high lactate levels that characterize healing wounds is not fully understood. Lactate has been shown to enhance collagen synthesis by fibroblasts and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by macrophages and endothelial cells. VEGF has been shown to induce endothelial cell migration.

IGF-I-induced VEGF expression in HUVEC involves phosphorylation and inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has been shown to promote angiogenesis by enhancing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. However, how IGF-I-induces VEGF expression is not yet fully understood. With this investigation, we propose a new possible mechanism involving downregulation of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (pADPR).

TGF-beta3 inhibits pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion in rats.

Background: Transforming growth factor beta3 (TGF-beta3) has been shown to accelerate gastric ulcer healing in rats. However, little is known about the mechanism. In this study we investigated the influence of TGF-beta3 on gastric acid secretion, since gastric hyperacidity is a major cause of gastroduodenal ulcer disease.

Growth hormone enhances gastric ulcer healing in rats.

Background: Gastric ulcer healing requires the reconstitution of epithelial structures and underlying connective tissue through cellular proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The systemic application of growth hormone (GH) has shown anabolic effects in postoperative and burn therapy by increasing protein synthesis and attenuating protein catabolism. There is also evidence that GH stimulates cell proliferation and differentiation.