Effect of rhEGF activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase on the expression of Bcl-2 and p53 protein in human amniotic cells

AIM: To explore the effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) on the ERK1/2 pathway and its safety in use when the proliferation of cultured FL cells (human amnion epithelial cells) were promoted by rhEGF.METHODS: FL cells were stimulated by rhEGF at various concentrations.The proliferation rate of FL cells was evaluated by MTT assay.Western blotting was used to detect phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and the change of Bcl-2 and P53 protein.RESULTS: The proliferation rate FL cells reached the maximum when the concentration of rhEGF was 10 μg/L (42.4％，P<0.01).Western blotting showed that the activity of p-ERK1/2 increased significantly when rhEGF ranged in 10 μg/L to 60 μg/L.Level of Bcl-2 was unchanged in each groups.Level of P53 decreased significantly when the concentration of rhEGF was 60 μg/L.CONCLUSION: It is safe when rhEGF presents in optimization concentration of 10 μg/L.The capability of apoptosis may be depressed when rhEGF is in larger dose.