Effect of epidermal growth factor(EGF) on autogenous fat graft survival
( Directed by Prof. YangWoo Kim, M.D. , Ph. D.)
BoYoung Park, M.D.
Department of Medicine,
The Graduate School of
Ewha Womans University
Autogenous fat graft is widely used for the correction of soft tissue contour deformity.
However, the high absorption rate results in the need for overcorrection and graft
longevity is unpredictable. We hypothesized that epidermal-growth factor(EGF), a potent
stimulator of neovascularization, would improve fat graft survival. The experiment
comprised total two groups of New Zealand White rabbit ear. Inguinal fat was harvested.
We injected fat with EGF, saline (n=24/each group). We performed the 48 cases of fat
graft for observation of volume and morphologic change. We harvested the fat 6 weeks
after the autogenous graft. The survival rate and the degree of neovascularization was
measured.There was a significantly higher survival rate of the graft in EGF group than
19 control group. And Histopathological examination of the grafts demonstrated evident
increase in neovascularization and mainteinance of fat cell morphology.
Epidermal growth factor(EGF) can enhance the fat graft survival and the degree of the
neovascularization. And , further well-controlled studies are required before using
Epidermal growth factor(EGF) for clinical purposes
