Growth factors becaplermin

Becaplermin is a recombinant human platelet derived growth factor . It is used to promote the granulation of diabetic, primarily neuropathic, chronic ulcers. Despite the low absorption and short elimination half-life, use during pregnancy and lactation is advised against. 

C. Hydroquinone inhibits the enzyme tyrosine kinase, which converts tyrosine to melanin. It also damages melanocytes. Becaplermin (A) is a recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor that is useful in enhancing wound healing. Etanercept (B) is a recombinant fusion protein approved for treatment of psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Botulinum toxin (D) is a purified form of bofu-linum foxin fype A approved for fherapy of blepharospasm and sfrabismus. 

A. General description Becaplermin, a recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB), is produced by recombinant DNA technology by insertion of the gene for the B chain of PDGF into the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. 

Cliuical pharmacology Native PDGF is a growth factor derived from blood platelets that mediates tissue repair. Becaplermin has biological activity similar to that of endogenous PDGF it promotes the chemotactic recruitment and prohfera-tion of cells involved in wound repair— fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, monocytes, and neutrophils—and enhances the formation of granulation tissue. 

Miller, M.S. Use of topical recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (becaplermin) in healing of chronic mixed arteriovenous lower extremity diabetic ulcers. J. Foot Ankle Surg. 1999, 38 (3), 227-231. 

Becaplermin is produced by a recombinant strain of S. cerevisiae containing the gene for the B chain of PDGF. The protein has a molecular mass of approximately 2S kDa and is a homodimer composed of two identical polypeptide chains that are linked by disulfide bonds. It is a growth factor that activates cell proliferation, differentiation, and function, and it is rclea.sed from cells involved in the healing process. 

Becaplermin Rh-platelet-derived growth factor (Regranex) 25 - - Topical gel (negligible) Decubitus ulcer ... 

The amplification of many other DNA sequences has been carried out by transfection of a cloning vector into a bacterial cell, making it possible to produce quantities of natural proteins that were not previously available, as well as unknown proteins. Green fluorescent protein (see Section 25.19) and its derivatives are produced by recombinant DNA technology. A recombinant human-platelet-derived growth factor (rh-PDGF) becaplermin (Regranex) is used clinically in the treatment of diabetic skin ulcers. 

Nagai, M.K. and Embil, J.M., Becaplermin recombinant platelet derived growth factor, a new treatment for healing diabetic foot ulcers. Expert Opin. Biol Ther., 2,211,2002. 

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