epidermal-growth-factor and Melanosis

Melasma is a condition in which patients develop symmetric, reticulated, hyperpigmented macules and patches on the face which is thought to be the result of ultraviolet (UV) exposure and hormonal influences, although the pathogenesis is not completely understood. The topical application of epidermal growth factor has been used as a whitening agent, moisturizer, and an aid for wound healing. In this study, we explore the efficacy of topical EGF in the treatment of melasma.. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face study to determine the efficacy of a topical EGF serum in the treatment of melasma. Fifteen women with a mean age of 44 were randomized to treatment side of the face and applied a topical EGF serum and a placebo twice daily to each designated side of the face for eight weeks. Patient satisfaction was assessed by use of the MelasQoL Questionnaire as well as a patient outcome survey. Subjects were evaluated using the Physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) by two board-certified dermatologists.. GAIS scores showed an improvement in the melasma in 73.4% of subjects vs 13% improvement for the placebo side. The average MelasQoL questionnaire score decreased from 42 to 33 with 73% of subjects having an improvement in their score. In addition, 73% of subjects reported an improvement in their melasma. No adverse events or side effects were reported with use of the topical serum or placebo.. This study suggests that topical EGF is a safe, noninvasive, and effective treatment for melasma. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(6):970-973.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Adult; Double-Blind Method; Drug Administration Schedule; Epidermal Growth Factor; Facial Dermatoses; Female; Humans; Melanosis; Patient Satisfaction; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome

A common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) gene modulates the level of transcription of this gene and hence is associated with serum levels of EGF. This variant may be associated with melanoma risk, but conflicting findings have been reported. An Australian melanoma case-control sample was typed for the EGF+61A>G transversion (rs4444903). The sample comprised 753 melanoma cases from 738 families stratified by family history of melanoma and 2387 controls from 645 unselected twin families. Ancestry of the cases and controls was recorded, and the twins had undergone skin examination to assess total body nevus count, degree of freckling and pigmentation phenotype. SNP genotyping was carried out via primer extension followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectroscopy. The EGF+61 SNP was not found to be significantly associated with melanoma status or with development of nevi or freckles. Among melanoma cases, however, G homozygotes had thicker tumors (p=0.05), in keeping with two previous studies. The EGF polymorphism does not appear to predispose to melanoma or nevus development, but its significant association with tumor thickness implies that it may be a useful marker of prognosis.

Topics: Case-Control Studies; Epidermal Growth Factor; Gene Frequency; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genotype; Humans; Melanoma; Melanosis; Nevus; Polymorphism, Genetic; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms