Clinical Observation of Recombinant Bovine Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Eye Gel Combined with Tobramycin Dexamethasone Eye Drops in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome in Patients after Cataract Surgery

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor(rbFGF)eye gel combined with tobramycin-dexamethasone(TOB-Dex)eye drops on dry eye syndrome(DES)after cataract surgery.Methods:86 patients with DES after cataract surgery,admitted from November 2021 to November 2023,were randomly divided into groups.The observation group included 43 patients treated with rbFGF eye gel combined with TOB-Dex eye drops.The reference group included 43 patients treated with TOB-Dex eye drops alone.Multiple indicators,including total effective rate and clinical symptom scores,were compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than in the reference group(P<0.05).Before treatment,there were no differences in clinical symptom scores,serum factors,or disease severity scores between the two groups(P>0.05).Three weeks after treatment,the observation group had lower clinical symptom scores,serum factors,and disease severity scores compared to the reference group(P<0.05).The adverse reaction rate in the observation group was lower than in the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:rbFGF eye gel combined with TOB-Dex eye drops can improve the clinical efficacy for patients with DES after cataract surgery,alleviate disease symptoms,reduce inflammatory responses,and have fewer adverse reactions.

Successful Management of Wound Dehiscence after Total Knee Arthroplasty by Topically Using Recombinant Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

Wound complications are estimated to be affected in about 9% of TKA patients, which may increase the risk of deep periprosthetic infection and results in re-operation, joint fusion, or amputation. Here we have reported a female patient who suffered wound rupture due to early post-operation mobilization and weight-bearing. The wound dehiscence was successfully managed by applying recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor-2 and anti-infective treatment without removing prosthetic joint.

EFFECTS OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR β AND RECOMBINANT HUMAN BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEIN 2 ON HUMAN PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT FIBROBLASTS

Objective To evaluate the effects of transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2) on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs). Methods HPDLFs were done primary culture to detect the distinct concentrations of TGF-P and rhBMF2 on its proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OC) synthesis and formation of the minerali-zed nodules, respectively. Results TGF-β (5～100ng/ml) significantly stimulated the proliferation of HPDLFs. The ALP activity of HPDLFs was evaluated evidently by 5ng/ml TGF-β. TGF-β( 0. 5 ～ 100ng/ml) had no effects on OC synthesis and formation of the mineralized nodules of HPDLFs. rhBMP2 (0. 25～2mg/ ml) had no remarkable effect on the proliferation of HPDLFs. The ALP activity, OC synthesis and forma-tion of the mineralized nodules of HPDLFs were significantly stimulated by 0. 5～ 2mg /ml rhBMP2. Conclusion The effects of TGF-β and rhBMP2 on HPDLFs are dose-dependent. TGF-P can stimulate HPDLFs to express the early marker of osteoblastic phenotype, and it lacks the ability to promote maturation of the osteogenic phenotype. rhBMP2 can not only stimulate the expression but also promote the maturation of osteoblas-tic phenotype of HPDLFs.

Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 in Maintaining Nutrient Homeostasis and Disease

Fibroblast growth factor 19 （FGF19） is a kind of gut-derived postprandial hormone. As an atypical member of the FGF family, FGF19 functions as an endocrine hormone except regulating cell growth and differentiation. FGF19 plays a key role in coordination of liver bile acid biosynthesis and gallbladder motility, and acts as a regulator of metabolic homeostasis, including strengthening insulin sensitivity, decreasing triglyceride concentration and reducing body weight.

Effect of charge at an amino acid of basic fibroblast growth factor on its mitogenic activity

The amino acid at the 119th position of human basic fibroblast growth factor(hbFGF),lysine(K119),is a critical component for its mitogenic activity.However,little is known about the effects of the characteristics of this residue including charge on the mitogenic activity of hbFGF.Herein,this basic residue was replaced with neutral glutamine residue and acidic glutamic acid residue to construct mutants hbFGF^(K119Q) and hbFGF^(K119E),respectively.The mutants were produced by BL21(DE3)/pET3c expression system...

The change of basic fibroblast growth factor and effect of prostacyclin in lung injury

In this study,the changes in activity and mRNA transcript of basic fibroblast growth fac-tor(bFGF)in lung injury and the effect of prostacyclin on the treatment of lung injury wereinvestigated.The result of the experiment revealed that there were not any bioactive bFGF andbFGF mRNA in the lung tissue of normal dogs.bFGF activity and bFGF mRNA were detectedonly in the injured lung tissue.Prostacyclin could slightly elevate the activity of bFGF andsignificantly elevate the level of bFGF mRNA.The findings suggest that(1)the level of bFGF in-creased after lung injury.(2)Prostacyclin could influence the expression of bFGF.(3)bFGF couldplay an important role in the repair of injury lung tissue.

Basic fibroblast growth factor increases the numbe of endogenous neural stem cells and inhibits the expression of amino methyl isoxazole propionic acid receptors in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice

This study aimed to investigate the number of amino methyl isoxazole propionic acid （AMPA） receptors and production of endogenous neural stem cells in the SOD1 G93AG1H transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, at postnatal day 60 following administration of basic fibroblast growth factor （FGF-2）. A radioligand binding assay and immunohistochemistry were used to estimate the number of AMPA receptors and endogenous neural stem cells respectively. Results showed that the number of AMPA receptors and endogenous neural stem cells in the brain stem and sensorimotor cortex were significantly increased, while motor function was significantly decreased at postnatal days 90 and 120. After administration of FGF-2 into mice, numbers of endogenous neural stem cells increased, while expression of AMPA receptors decreased, whilst motor functions were recovered. At postnatal day 120, the number of AMPA receptors was negatively correlated with the number of endogenous neural stem cells in model mice and FGF-2-treated mice. Our experimental findings indicate that FGF-2 can inhibit AMPA receptors and increase the number of endogenous neural stem cells, thus repairing neural injury in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice.

Exogenous acid fibroblast growth factor inhibits ischemia-reperfusion-induced damage in intestinal epithelium via regulating P53 and P21WAF-1 expression

AIM： To detect the effect of acid fibroblast growth factor （aFGF） on P53 and P21WAF-1 expression in rat intestine after ischemia-reperfusion （I-R） injury in order to explore the protective mechanisms of aFGF. METHODS： Hale rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely intestinal ischemia-reperfusion group （R）, aFGF treatment group （A）, intestinal ischemia group （I）, and sham-operated control group （C）. In group I, the animals were killed after 45 min of superior mesenteric artery （SHA） occlusion. In groups R and A, the rats sustained for 45 min of SHA occlusion and were treated with normal saline （0.15 mL） and aFGF （20 μg/kg, 0.15 mL）, then sustained at various times for up to 48 h after reperfusion. In group C, SHA was separated, but without occlusion. Apoptosis in intestinal villi was determined with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling technique （TUNEL）. Intestinal tissue samples were taken not only for RT- PCR to detect P53 and P21WAF-1 gene expression, but also for immunohistochemical analysis to detect P53 and P21WAF-1 protein expression and distribution. RESULTS： In histopathological study, ameliorated intestinal structures were observed at 2, 6, and 12 h after reperfusion in A group compared to R group. The apoptotic rates were （41.17±3.49）%, （42.83±5.23）%, and （53.33±6.92）% at 2, 6, and 12 h after reperfusion, respectively in A group, which were apparently lower than those in R group at their matched time points （50.67±6.95）%, （54.17±7.86）%, and （64.33±6.47）%, respectively, （P〈0.05））. The protein contents of P53 and P21WAF-1 were both significantly decreased in A group compared to R group （P〈0.05） at 2-12 h after reperfusion, while the mRNA levels of P53 and P21VVAF-1 in A group were obviously lower than those in R group at 6-12 h after reperfusion （P〈0.05）. CONCLUSION： P53 and P21WAF-1 protein accumulations are associated with intestinal barrier injury induced by I-R insult, while intravenous aFGF can alleviate apoptosis of rat intestinal cells by inhibiting P53 and P21WAF-1 protein expression.

Fibroblast growth factor 15,induced by elevated bile acids,mediates the improvement of hepatic glucose metabolism after sleeve gastrectomy

BACKGROUND Fibroblast growth factor(FGF)15/19,which is expressed in and secreted from the distal ileum,can regulate hepatic glucose metabolism in an endocrine manner.The levels of both bile acids(BAs)and FGF15/19 are elevated after bariatric surgery.However,it is unclear whether the increase in FGF15/19 is induced by BAs.Moreover,it remains to be understood whether FGF15/19 elevations contribute to improvements in hepatic glucose metabolism after bariatric surgery.AIM To investigate the mechanism of improvement of hepatic glucose metabolism by elevated BAs after sleeve gastrectomy(SG).METHODS By calculating and comparing the changes of body weight after SG with SHAM group,we examined the weight-loss effect of SG.The oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)test and area under the curve of OGTT curves were used to assess the anti-diabetic effects of SG.By detecting the glycogen content,expression and activity of glycogen synthase as well as the glucose-6-phosphatase(G6Pase)and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase(Pepck),we evaluated the hepatic glycogen content and gluconeogenesis activity.We examined the levels of total BA(TBA)together with the farnesoid X receptor(FXR)-agonistic BA subspecies in systemic serum and portal vein at week 12 post-surgery.Then the histological expression of ileal FXR and FGF15 and hepatic FGF receptor 4(FGFR4)with its corresponding signal pathways involved in glucose metabolism were detected.RESULTS After surgery,food intake and body weight gain of SG group was decreased compare with the SHAM group.The hepatic glycogen content and glycogen synthase activity was significantly stimulated after SG,while the expression of the key enzyme for hepatic gluconeogenesis:G6Pase and Pepck,were depressed.TBA levels in serum and portal vein were both elevated after SG,the FXR-agonistic BA subspecies:Chenodeoxycholic acid(CDCA),lithocholic acid(LCA)in serum and CDCA,DCA,LCA in portal vein were all higher in SG group than that in SHAM group.Consequently,the ileal expression of FXR and FGF15 were also advanced in SG group.Moreover,the hepatic expression of FGFR4 was stimulated in SG-operated rats.As a result,the activity of its corresponding pathway for glycogen synthesis:FGFR4-Ras-extracellular signal regulated kinase pathway was stimulated,while the corresponding pathway for hepatic gluconeogenesis:FGFR4-cAMP regulatory element-binding protein-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator-1αpathway was suppressed.CONCLUSION Elevated BAs after SG induced FGF15 expression in distal ileum by activating their receptor FXR.Furthermore,the promoted FGF15 partly mediated the improving effects on hepatic glucose metabolism of SG.

The AMPK and AKT/GSK3β pathways are involved in recombinant proteins fibroblast growth factor 1(rFGF1 and rFGF1a)improving glycolipid metabolism in rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss)fed a high carbohydrate diet

Fibroblast growth factor 1(FGF1)regulates vertebrate cell growth,proliferation and differentiation,and energy metabolism.In this study,we cloned rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus my kiss)fgf1 and fgf1a,pre-pared their recombinant proteins(rFGF1 and rFGF1a),and described the molecular mechanisms by which they improve glycolipid metabolism in carnivorous fish.A 31-d feeding trial was conducted to investigate whether they could enhance glycolipid metabolism in rainbow trout on high-carbohydrate diets(HCD).A total of 720 rainbow trout(8.9±0.5 g)were equally divided into 4 groups:the chow diet(CD)group injected with PBS,the HCD group injected with PBS,the HCD group injected with rFGF1(400 ng/g body weight),and the HCD group injected with rFGF1a(400 ng/g body weight).The results showed that short-term HCD had a significant positive effect on the specific growth rate(SGR)of rainbow trout(P<0.05).However,it led to an increase in crude fat,serum triglyceride(TG)and glucose content,as well as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase(GPT)and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase(GOT)contents(P<0.05),suggesting a negative health effect of HCD.Nevertheless,rFGF1 and rFGF1a showed beneficial therapeutic effects.They significantly reduced the crude fat content of the liver,serum TG,GOT,and GPT contents caused by HCD(P<0.05).The upregulation in atgl,hsl,and acc2 mRNAs implied the promotion of TG catabolism.Moreover,rFGF1 and rFGF1a contributed to promoting lipolysis by activating the AMPK pathway and reducing lipid accumulation in the liver caused by HCD.In addition,the rFGF1 and rFGF1 a-treated groups significantly reduced serum glucose levels and elevated hepatic glycogen content under HCD,and increased glucose uptake by hepatocytes.We observed a decrease in mRNA levels for pepck,g6pase,and pygl,along with an increase in mRNA levels for gys,glut2,and gk in the liver.Furthermore,these proteins regulated hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis by increasing the phosphorylation level of AKT,ultimately leading to an increase in GSK3βphosphorylation.In conclusion,this study demonstrates that rFGF1 and rFGF1a can enhance lipolysis and glucose utili-zation in rainbow trout by activating the AMPK pathway and AKT/GSK3βaxis.

基于肠FXR-FGF15通路探讨沙棘熊果酸对酒精性肝损伤小鼠的影响

该研究借助小鼠酒精性肝损伤模型,观察沙棘熊果酸补充对酒精性肝损伤(alcoholic liver disease,ALD)小鼠的改善效果,通过分析沙棘熊果酸对ALD小鼠肠法尼醇X受体(farnesoid X receptor,FXR)-成纤维细胞生长因子15(fibroblast growth factor 15,FGF15)通路的影响,探讨其可能的保护作用机制。结果表明,沙棘熊果酸能够改善ALD小鼠的肝脏、小肠组织炎症反应,降低ALD小鼠血清谷草转氨酶(aspartate transaminase,AST)、谷丙转氨酶(glutamicpyruvic transaminase,ALT)活性、总胆汁酸(total bile acids,TBA)、脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide,LPS)、D-乳酸(D-lactic acid,D-LA)含量,提高ALD小鼠胆盐水解酶(bile salt hydrolase,BSH)浓度。同时,沙棘熊果酸可提高ALD小鼠肠道FXR、FGF15、肝脏中成纤维细胞生长因子受体第4号(fibroblast growth factor receptor 4,FGFR4)蛋白表达量,降低肝脏中胆固醇7α-羟化酶(cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase,CYP7A1)蛋白表达。综上,沙棘熊果酸对酒精性肝损伤小鼠具有保护作用,其机制可能与调节肠FXR-FGF15通路有关。

单纤维聚乙烯线缝合联合rb-bFGF对口腔颌面部外伤患者表皮生长因子及口腔功能的影响

目的探讨单纤维聚乙烯线缝合联合重组牛碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor,rb-bFGF)对口腔颌面部外伤患者血清表皮生长因子(epidermal growth factor,EGF)及口腔功能的影响。方法本研究采用回顾性分析,选取2020年7月至2023年6月旬阳市人民医院收治的120例颌面部外伤患者,按治疗方法不同分为干预组[60例,男39例、女21例,年龄(35.54±2.61)岁]与传统组[60例,男36例,女34例,年龄(36.63±2.54)岁]。传统组采用单纤维聚乙烯线缝合治疗,干预组采用单纤维聚乙烯线缝合联合rb-bFGF治疗。比较两组临床疗效、治疗前后血清EGF水平与口腔功能(语言清晰度、咀嚼功能评分)、治疗满意度及安全性。采用t检验、方差分析、χ2检验进行统计比较。结果干预组总有效率为93.33%(56/60),传统组总有效率为73.33%(44/60),两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后5 d,传统组血清EGF水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);干预组血清EGF水平比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);且干预组血清EGF水平均高于传统组(均P<0.05)。治疗后5 d,干预组语言清晰度、咀嚼功能评分均优于传统组(均P<0.05)。干预组治疗满意度为90.00%(54/60),传统组为66.67%(40/60),两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。传统组、干预组不良反应发生率分别为10.00%(6/60)和13.33%(8/60),两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论单纤维聚乙烯线缝合联合rb-bFGF对口腔颌面部外伤患者血清EGF水平及口腔功能可以产生积极影响,且安全性高。

Transfection of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor gene promotes neuronal differentiation

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor recombinant adenovirus vector-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells using inductive medium containing retinoic acid and epidermal growth factor. Cell viability, micro- tubule-associated protein 2-positive cell ratio, and the expression levels of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor and growth-associated protein-43 protein in the su- pernatant were significantly higher in glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor/bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells compared with empty virus plasmid-transfected bone marrow mes- enchymal stem cells. Furthermore, microtubule-associated protein 2, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor and growth-associated protein743 mRNA levels in cell pellets were statistically higher in glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor/bone marrow mesen- chymal stem cells compared with empty virus plasmid-transfected bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. These results suggest that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor/bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have a higher rate of induction into neuron-like cells, and this enhanced differentiation into neuron-like cells may be associated with up-regulated expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor and growth-associated protein-43.

Effects of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor on cell proliferation during mandibular fracture healing in rabbits

Objective:: To investigate the effects of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (rhbFGF) on the cell proliferation during mandibular fracture healing in rabbits. Methods: The complex of rhbFGF and bovine type I collagen was implanted into the mandibular fracture site under periosteum of the animal. The whole mandible was harvested at 7, 14, 28, 56 and 84 days respectively after operation. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in callus was examined with immunohistochemical staining. Results: PCNA-positive cells in callus in the rhbFGF-treated group on days 7 and 14 were more than that in the control group (P< 0.01 ). Conclusions: It indicates that rhbFGF can stimulate cell proliferation during mandibular fracture healing in rabbits.

ACIDIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR REDUCES RAT SKELETAL MUSCLE DAMAGE CAUSED BY ISCHEMIA AND REPERFUSION

Acute interruption of arterial blood flow to the extremities is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Broad spectrum mitogenic and non mitogenic activities of FGFs inspired us to study its protecting effects on tissue injuries in ischemia reperfusion condition. We found that systemic administration of aFGF after reperfusion onset prevented severe skeletal muscle injuries. In rats treated with aKGF, the tissue edema was reduced significantly, the tissue viability was increased, and the muscle fibers contained more succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and adenosine triphosphatasc (ATPase). The pathological results supported the concept of improved prevention with aFGF treatment. The possible tissue protection by aFGF may come from its ability to regulate the concentration of evtra- and intracellular calcium ion. Besides, it may moderate other Ca2+ dependent enzyme conversion processes. Also, it may take part in the vascular tone regulation under ischemia and reperfusion conditions. These results suggest further study of tissue ischemia prevention with FGF and its possible mechanisms in the future.

Effect of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor on angiogenesis during mandible fracture healing in rabbits

Objective: To investigate the effect of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor ( rhbFGF) on angiogenesis during mandible fracture healing in rabbit.Methods: Fifty adult white rabbits were used for animal model and randomly divided into a control group (25 rabbits) and an experimental group (25 rabbits). The membranous complex of rhbFGF and bovine type I collagen was prepared and implanted into the rabbit mandible fracture site under periosteum. The animals were sacrificed on 7, 14, 28, 56 and 84 days respectively after operation and the whole mandibles were harvested. The expression of factor Vm related antigen (F8-RA) in callus was examined with immimohistochemical staining.Results: The amounts of microvascular formation in calluses in the rhbFGF-treating group on days 7, 14, 28 and 56 were more than those of the control group (P < 0.01).Conclusions: The results indicated that rhbFGF could stimulate microvascular formation during mandible fracture healing in rabbits.

Effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein after tractive spinal cord injury in rats

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) after tractive spinal cord injury in rats and to explore the recovery of spinal cord function. METHODS: The rats were subjected to tractive spinal cord injury at T13-L2. Cortical somatosensory-evoked potential (CSEP) was closely monitored and when P1-N1 wave amplitude decreased to 70% of that before operation, a small-bore catheter was inserted below the injured plane through subarachnoid cavity. In the treatment groups, 20 microl of bFGF solution (containing 20 microg of bFGF) was injected through the catheter right after the operation and 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h postoperatively. In the control group, same volume of normal saline was injected and every four rats were killed at 1, 4, 7, 14 and 21 d after the operation. Combined behavior score (CBS) and electro-physiological examination were adopted to evaluate function recovery. Expression of GFAP was observed by immuno-histochemical staining and was analyzed quantitatively by computer image analysis. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in GFAP-positive cells between bFGF treatment group and the control group (P

The expression and antigenicity identification of recombinant rat TGF-β1 in bacteria

In order to study structure-function details of TGF-beta1, the recombinant mature form of rat TGF-beta1 was expressed in bacteria. Synthesis of the 112 amino-acid carboxyl-terminal part of TGF-beta1 (amino acid 279-390) was controlled by an inducible gene expression system based on bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase. This system allowed an active and selective synthesis of recombinant TGF-beta1. The molecular weight of expressed TGF-alpha1 monomer determined on SDS-polyacrylamide gel under reducing conditions was about 13 kD. Serial detergent washes combined with a single gel-filtration purification step were sufficient to purify the expression product to homogeneity. Amino-terminal sequencing revealed that the N-terminal of the recombinant protein was identical to the published data. In Western blot analysis the recombinant polypeptide showed excellent antigenicity against polyclonal TGF-beta1 antibody. The mature recombinant rat TGF-beta1 expressed in this study provides a useful tool for future detailed structural and functional studies.

Construction and Expression of Recombinant Plasmid pCD-rbFGF in Osteoblasts

Summary: To construct basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) eukaryotic expression vector and to evaluate the possibility of bFGF gene therapy in orthopedic disease, the pCD-rbFGF recombinant plasmid was constructed by cloning rat basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) cDNA into an eukaryotic expression vector, pcDNA 3. Rat osteoblasts were transfected with pCD-rbFGF plasmid by lopofectin mediated gene transfer, the transient expression was detected by streptavidin-biotin-enzyme complex (SABC) method. It was observed that the expression of rat bFGF gene was detected 72 h after transfected distinctly. Basic fibroblast growth factor gene therapy is a method of potential for a wide array of orthopedic diseases.

<i>In Vitro</i>Analysis of VEGF and HGF Production by Fibroblast in Cultured Dermal Substitute Combined with EGF-Incorporating Top Dressing

This study aimed to investigate the potential of cultured dermal substitute (CDS) to release angiogenic growth factors when laminated with a membrane containing epidermal growth factor (EGF) as a top dressing. Membranes were prepared by air-drying a solution of hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen (Col) with or without EGF. Membranes were designed to contain EGF at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.2 or 0.5 μg/cm2. CDS was prepared by incorporating fibroblasts into a collagen gel combined with a cross-linked HA spongy matrix, followed by culturing for 5 days. CDS was designed to contain fibroblasts at a density of 2 × 105 (Group I) or 4 × 105 cells/cm2> (Group II). CDS was elevated at the interface between air and culture medium, on the top of which each membrane was placed. This culture system was employed as a wound surface model. Metabolic activity of the fibroblasts in the CDS cultured for 7 days on a wound surface model was measured by MTT assay. The amounts of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) after 7 days of cultivation were measured by using ELISA. Membranes containing EGF ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 μg/cm2> facilitated production of both VEGF and HGF, as compared with control membranes without EGF. However, a membrane containing EGF at a concentration of 0.5 μg/cm2> failed to facilitate fibroblast cytokine production in Group I. These results demonstrated that the EGF-incorporating membrane was able to stimulate fibroblasts in the CDS to synthesize an increased amount of VEGF and HGF in a dose-dependent manner.