Purpose
To investigate the effect of chondrocyte-derived extracellular matrix (CDECM) on experimental corneal alkaline burns in rabbits.
Methods
Corneal neovascularization (NV) was induced by 1 N NaOH to the right central corneas of rabbits. Ten days later, CDECM and human amniotic membrane (HAM) were transplanted onto the corneal surface to completely cover the resected area and then sutured. On the 10th day after transplantation, the structural changes of the cornea were histologically analyzed. We examined the effects of CDECM on clinical NV features and on the expression of corneal NV markers. This study was conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for Animal Experiments approved by Inje University College of Medicine (No.; 2012-028) and the ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research.
Results
The alkaline burn produced significant NV and increased corneal thickness. On day 10 after transplantation, the thickness, NV and opacity of the cornea were markedly decreased in the CDECM group (p<0.001). However, the HAM transplantation group did not exhibit improvements in these clinical parameters, and there were no significant differences relative to the burn group. In addition, the CDECM improved the healing of the cornea following alkaline burn, disrupting the corneal epithelial proliferation and reducing the fibrotic changes of the stroma. The hallmarks of NV were significantly induced in the subepithelium by the alkaline burn, and these levels were also suppressed by CDECM. The CDECM suppressed corneal NV by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation through blocking the PKC and Akt signaling pathway.
Conclusions
CDECM transplantation was markedly effective in healing alkali-burned corneas by modulating the translocation of NF-kB to the nucleus, making it a promising material for the noninvasive treatment of ocular surface disease.
Keywords: 609 neovascularization •
519 extracellular matrix •
765 wound healing