Divergent effects of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factors on a human endometrial carcinoma cell line.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF), at concentrations ranging from 0.83 to 4.98 nM, markedly inhibited the proliferation of RL95-2 cells that were seeded at low plating densities (4.7 X 10(3) cells/cm2). Under the same incubation conditions, 16.6 pM EGF enhanced cell proliferation. At high plating densities (2.5 X 10(4) cells/cm2) 0.83 nM EGF also stimulated cell proliferation. Both the inhibitory and stimulatory effects of EGF were mimicked by transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha). However, the inhibitory action of TGF-alpha was always greater that of EGF. Binding studies with 125I-labeled TGF-alpha indicated that maximal cell surface binding of TGF-alpha occurred at 15 min, whereas maximal internalization occurred at 45 min. Both cell surface and internalized radioactivity declined sharply thereafter. Analysis of radioactivity released into the incubation medium during pulse-chase experiments indicated that RL95-2 cells extensively degraded both TGF-alpha and EGF. The lysosomotropic compound methylamine arrested the generation of low-molecular-weight degradation products of EGF, but not of TGF-alpha. In contrast to EGF and TGF-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) inhibited the proliferation of RL95-2 cells that were seeded at either low or high plating densities. Further, transforming growth factor-beta induced the appearance of large cuboidal cells that were readily distinguished from cells treated with either EGF or TGF-alpha. These findings point to complex regulatory actions of growth factors on the proliferation of RL95-2 cells and suggest that the processing of TGF-alpha following EGF receptor activation is distinct from the processing of EGF.

Skin tolerance, efficacy, and quality of life of patients with red facial skin using a skin care regimen containing Licochalcone A.

BACKGROUND: Patients with rosacea and red facial skin often show sensitivity to skin care products which can exacerbate inflammation and subjective irritation. Besides pharmacologic management, special skin care is prudent to avoid cosmetically induced irritation and address cosmetic concerns. Appropriate skin care should provide gentle cleansing, UVA/UVB protection, effective moisturization, and concealing pigments to neutralize the appearance of redness. AIMS: To evaluate skin compatibility and efficacy of a skin care regimen containing licochalcone A (Lic A), an anti-irritant from the licorice plant Glycyrrhiza inflata, for subjects with mild to moderate facial redness. PATIENTS/METHODS: Sixty-two patients with mild to moderate red facial skin used a four-product skin care regimen for 8 weeks. Clinical assessments of erythema and subjective irritation, cross-polarized photography, and self-assessment questionnaires were completed at baseline, and after 4 and 8 weeks of use. A quality of life questionnaire was given at baseline and week 8. RESULTS: Clinical evaluations, subject response, and photography confirmed very good tolerability of the regimen and effective neutralization of redness by the pigmented products. Significant improvements in average erythema scores were observed at 4 and 8 weeks (P < 0.05), and an improvement in quality of life was confirmed by the patient questionnaires. DISCUSSION: The skin care regimen containing Lic A was found to be compatible with the sensitive facial skin of patients with rosacea and improved the appearance of persistent facial redness. The products were also observed to be compatible with daily metronidazole treatment.