Abstract
Purpose: :
In this study, the cytotoxic effect on human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and the ability to faciliate corneal epithelial wound healing of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and hyaluronic acid (HA) were investigated.
Methods: :
HCECs were exposed to CMC and HA for period of 30 minutes, and 4 , 12, and 24 hours. MTT-based calorimetric assay was performed to assess the metabolic activity of cellular proliferation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay for cytotoxicity. Apoptotic response was evaluated with flow cytometric analysis and fluorescence staining with Annexin V and propiodium iodide. Cellular morphology was evaluated by inverted phase-contrast light microscopy and electron microscopy. Cellular migration was assessed by using Transwell membrane by using Matrigel membrane. The wound widths were measured 18 hours after confluent HCECs were scratch wounded.
Results: :
The inhibitory effect of human corneal epithelial proliferation and cytotoxicity showed the time-dependent response but not significant effect. Apoptosis developed in flow cytometry and apoptotic cells were demonstrated in fluorescent micrograph. The damaged HCECs were detached from the bottom of the dish and showed the loss of microvilli. CMC sitmulated more re-epithehlialization of HCECs scratched and more cell migration than HA, which were not significant(p<0.05).
Conclusions: :
CMC and HA, used in artificial tear formulation, could be utilized without any significant toxic effect on HCECs. Both stimulated HCEC migration and reepithelialization of corneal wounds.
Keywords: cornea: epithelium • cornea: basic science • wound healing