Heparan Mimetics (RGTA) Promote Corneal Wound Healing in vivo and in vitro

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Regenerating Agent (RGTA) are heparan sulfate mimetics, that are known to stimulate tissue repair and reduce fibrosis wound healing in several models. We evaluated their activity in the cornea in vivo and in vitro. Methods: We assessed the effect of topical application of RGTA on corneal wound healing after alkali burn injury in C57BL6 mice. Slit–lamp examination, with fluorescein staining was performed on a daily basis after 1 N NaOH corneal injury. Epithelial defect, corneal opacity, and neovascularization were evaluated in a masked fashion. Corneal tissue sections were evaluated for inflammatory cell infiltration. In Vitro, cultured corneal epithelial cells were treated with RGTA or PBS as control to assess the effect of epithelial cell migration. Results: RGTA treated mice showed decreased corneal opacity as compared with non–treated group. Histological evaluation for inflammatory cell infiltration did not show any difference between both groups on days 3 after injury. RGTA treated corneal epithelial cells displayed enhanced migration rate as compared with PBS. Conclusions: Topical application of RGTA represents a new therapeutic approach in corneal injury. Further investigations are needed to assess the molecular events involved in this improved wound healing.

Keywords: wound healing • cornea: epithelium