THE USE OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR AS A GASTROINTESTINAL THERAPEUTIC AGENT

摘要

New utilities for epidermal growth factor (EGF) as a gastrointestinal therapeutic agent are described. In particular, EGF is useful in preventing gastrointestinal colonization by pathogens and in promoting weight gain. As such EGF can be used to treat intestinal infections and increase animal production for example in the agriculture or aquaculture industry. EGF is al so useful in increasing the intestinal absorption of immunoglobulins. Inhibitio n of the epidermal growth factor signaling cascade may be used to prevent uptake of toxic or adverse compounds or to promote weight loss. Therefore, the use of an agent that inhibits the activity of epidermal growth factor to decreas e the absorption of substance or decrease weight gain is also described.