Addition of Epidermal Growth Factor Improves the Rate of Sulfur Mustard Wound Healing in an In Vitro Model

Objective: Sulfur mustard (SM) causes blisters on the human skin. These blisters delay healing of the skin and make the victims more susceptible to infection. In vitro models have been used for protection studies against SM injury, but study on wound healing after SM exposure has not been explored. The purpose of this study was to test whether the addition of exogenous growth factors could improve the rate of SM wound healing. Methods: The model consisted of normal human epidermal keratinocytes seeded into 6-well plates, exposed to SM, and wounded (disruption of the cell monolayer) with a sterile wounding instrument. Cells were then stained and images were captured to measure percentage wound fill. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) were tested in this model. Results: EGF (1 ng/mL) significantly increased wound fill on all of the days tested (days 6, 9, and 12). KGF did not significantly improve wound healing. Conclusions: EGF showed promise as a potential therapy for SM-induced wounds. This in vitro model was a valuable tool for screening therapeutics before animal testing. These results will be used to develop a dressing that can slowly release EGF on to a debrided wound bed to help speed the healing process.