Clinical Study of Intradermal Injection of Non-Crosslinked Sodium Hyaluronate Combined With Human Epidermal Growth Factor in the Treatment of Skin Barrier Injury in Plateau Area

Ao He; Boyan Liu; Yingjian Hua; Zhuo Gong; Fengshan Gan; Qingzhu Zhou; Songmei Wang; Xian Zhao

doi:10.1111/jocd.16727

Clinical Study of Intradermal Injection of Non-Crosslinked Sodium Hyaluronate Combined With Human Epidermal Growth Factor in the Treatment of Skin Barrier Injury in Plateau Area

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Dec 24:e16727. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16727. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Ao He¹, Boyan Liu¹, Yingjian Hua², Zhuo Gong¹, Fengshan Gan¹, Qingzhu Zhou¹, Songmei Wang³, Xian Zhao¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.
² Department of Medical Cosmetology, Kunming University of Science and Technology Affiliated Pu'er Hospital, Pu'er, Yunnan, China.
³ School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.

PMID: 39717991
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16727

Abstract

Background: The Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau's high-altitude setting is characterized by intense solar ultraviolet radiation, a significant environmental stressor that frequently leads to skin barrier damage. This damage presents clinically as erythema, itching, and desquamation, underscoring the need for effective reparative interventions.

Aims: The objective of this study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of a novel treatment protocol that integrates non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) injection with microneedle application of human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) for the restoration of skin barrier function in regions of high altitude.

Methods: Sixty female subjects exhibiting characteristic signs of skin barrier impairment were randomized into four cohorts: a control group and three experimental groups differentiated by hEGF concentration. The intervention comprised subdermal HA injection coupled with microneedle therapy. The VISIA digital skin analysis system was utilized to quantify skin barrier integrity, with assessments performed by a panel of dermatologists and through patient self-evaluations at baseline and postintervention.

Results: A marked reduction in erythema and indices of skin barrier damage was observed in the experimental groups relative to the control. The cohort administered 10 000 IU hEGF exhibited the most pronounced restoration of skin barrier function, indicative of a dose-dependent therapeutic response. The treatment demonstrated favorable tolerability without any reported adverse events.

Conclusions: The conjoint application of non-crosslinked HA and hEGF presents as a potent therapeutic modality for the repair of the skin barrier in high-altitude environments. Our findings indicate that an optimized concentration of hEGF is pivotal for achieving the most efficacious treatment outcomes.

Keywords: UV damage; actinic damage; aesthetic medicine; epidermal growth factors; hyaluronic acid; plastic surgery.