Potential protective effects of rhEGF against ultraviolet A irradiation-induced damages on human fibroblasts.

Background: Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays reach the dermal skin layer and generate oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cell inflammation, which in turn lead to photo-aging and photo-carcinogenesis. While there have been many studies about the beneficial effects of topical epidermal growth factor (EGF) treatment in the healing of wounds, the effect of EGF on UVA-induced skin irritation remains unknown. To clarify the effects of EGF on UVA-induced skin damage, it was investigated whether EGF signaling can affect intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damages in UVA-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts.