May 2003
Volume 44, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2003
Low Levels of EGF mRNA in Corneal Epithelial Cells of Patients with Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca: A Rationale for a Novel EGF Supplement Therapy?
B. Gabler; B. Fuchs; C. Winkler von Mohrenfels; C. Kölwel; A. Göpferich; U. Reischl; C.P. Lohmann
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • B. Gabler
    University Eye Clinic, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
  • B. Fuchs
    University Eye Clinic, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
  • C. Winkler von Mohrenfels
    University Eye Clinic, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
  • C. Kölwel
    Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
  • A. Göpferich
    Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
  • U. Reischl
    Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
  • C.P. Lohmann
    Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  B. Gabler, None; B. Fuchs, None; C. Winkler von Mohrenfels, None; C. Kölwel, None; A. Göpferich, None; U. Reischl, None; C.P. Lohmann, None.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2003, Vol.44, 3760. doi:
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      B. Gabler, B. Fuchs, C. Winkler von Mohrenfels, C. Kölwel, A. Göpferich, U. Reischl, C.P. Lohmann; Low Levels of EGF mRNA in Corneal Epithelial Cells of Patients with Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca: A Rationale for a Novel EGF Supplement Therapy? . Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2003;44(13):3760.

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Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) seems to be one of the leading actors in maintaining ocular surface homeostasis. In patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) a reduced EGF concentration was found in tear fluid samples. However paracrine or autocrine effects of EGF produced by corneal epithelial cells (CEC) themselves might be even more important for corneal epithelial integrity. We quantitatively analyzed EGF mRNA expression in CEC of healthy eyes, eyes with primary aqueous tear deficiency(1°ATD), eyes with secondary aqueous tear deficiency (2°ATD, e.g. due to Sjögrens disease) and eyes with meibomian gland disease (MTD). Thereafter a pilot study with EGF substitution by a special controlled release device was undertaken in KCS patients. Methods: A corneal epithelial biopsy was taken with a special microtrephine (0,8 mm Ø) 2 mm from the limbus at the 10:00 position in patients with 1°ATD and 2°ATD (Schirmer II <10mm), MGD and in control individuals (10 patients per group). EGF mRNA concentration in CEC was quantitatively determined by polymerase chain reaction and ELOSA (enzym-linked oligosorbent assay); internal standardisation was achieved via the levels of Histon H3.3 mRNA. A 5x3 mm oval alginate platelet loaded with 0,8 µg EGF was placed in the conjunctival sac for 2x48 h in 10 patients with 1°ATD, who were then followed for several weeks. Subjective and objective (break-up time (BUT), lissamin green and fluorescein score, schirmer test) parameters were used. Results: Mean EGF mRNA concentration in CEC of control eyes was 7,7±0,9 relative units (RU) compared to 0,8±0,4 RU in 1°ATD (P=0,01), 0,7±0,3 RU in 2°ATD (M.Sjögren) (p<0,01) and 7,8±1,3 RU in MGD (p=0,35). During the follow-up period (i.e. after last platelet) dry eye symptoms, BUT and dye scores repeatedly improved for 5 to 10 days before returning to pre-existing values. Conclusions: EGF/EGF-receptor system seems to have an important role in KCS / ATD which is supported by the 10fold lower expression of EGF-mRNA in CEC of ATD eyes compared to healthy eyes. Further studies will have to show if these low levels of EGF mRNA in CEC are primary changes in KCS or secondary e.g. to downregulation by inflammatory cytokines. First results with EGF loaded controlled release devices in the therapy of KCS are promising.

Keywords: cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • growth factors/growth factor receptors • cornea: epithelium 
© 2003, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc., all rights reserved. Permission to republish any abstract or part of an abstract in any form must be obtained in writing from the ARVO Office prior to publication.
Copyright © 2025 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
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