Abstract
Purpose: :
Many trabeculectomy procedures ultimately fail due to fibroblast proliferation which can ensue postoperatively. Recent studies in other surgical subspecialties have shown potential for the adjunctive use of resveratrol to inhibit scarring after various surgical interventions. Our hypothesis is that anti-scarring properties of resveratrol may potentially be used to decrease scarring after trabeculectomy.
Methods: :
14 New Zealand white rabbits underwent trabeculectomy on their right eye. 7 of the rabbits were placed on resveratrol (5mg/kg) in their drinking water. This treatment was initiated one week prior to the surgery and was continued daily until one month after the trabeculectomy. IOPs (intraocular pressures) were recorded weekly using a Tonopen device. Immunohistochemistry was then used to determine differences in collagen and fibroblast expression in both eyes.
Results: :
The average IOP difference in the control group at 1 month after trabeculectomy was an increase of 2.14 mmHg. However, the average difference observed in the resveratrol group was a decrease of 1.71 mmHg. Therefore, the difference between the treated and untreated groups was 3.85 mmHg which was statistically significant (p value of 0.014).
Conclusions: :
This study suggests that there may be a potential beneficial role for adjunctive therapy with resveratrol for patients undergoing trabeculectomy.