Abstract
Purpose :
To investigate the efficacy of the natural extracts of bee venom, musk, and antler for the treatment of dry eye disease in experimental animal models.
Methods :
In a scopolamine-induced dry eye rat model, the normal saline (n=3) and natural extract group (n=3) received each eye drop instillation four times a day for 5 days, while the controls (n=3) were not. Corneal staining score according to National Eye Institute scoring scheme, and MUC5AC levels and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in tears were measured. In a dry eye rat model developed by removing the lacrimal gland, the normal saline (n=6) and natural extract group (n=6) received each eye drop instillation four times a day for 5 days, while the controls (n=6) were not. In the normal group (n=6), the lacrimal gland was not removed. Corneal staining score, tear secretion using phenol red-impregnated cotton thread, MUC5AC levels and LDH activity in the tear were measured.
Results :
In a scopolamine-induced dry eye model, the natural extract group had significantly lower corneal staining scores (1.7 ± 0.5) and tear LDH activity (0.10 ± 0.01 Optical density[OD]) but higher tear MUC5AC level (12.9 ± 3.7 ng/ml) than the control group (4.7 ± 1.4, 0.19 ± 0.01 OD, and 7.9 ± 2.0 ng/ml, respectively). There were no significant differences in corneal staining score, tear MUC5AC level, and tear LDH activity between the control and normal saline groups. In a dry eye model developed by removing the lacrimal gland, the natural extract group had significantly lower corneal staining scores (4.3 ± 1.2) and tear LDH activity (0.30 ± 0.08 OD) but higher tear secretion (4.3 ± 0.9 mm) and MUC5AC level (8.2 ± 2.0 ng/ml) than the control group (11.5 ± 2.3, 0.48 ± 0.12 OD, 1.9 ± 0.7 mm, and 2.9 ± 1.2 ng/ml, respectively). There were no significant differences in tear secretion, MUC5AC level and LDH activity in tear between the normal and natural extract groups.
Conclusions :
Natural extracts of bee venom, musk, and antler were found to be effective in the treatment of dry eye disease through restoration of ocular surface damage, increase of tear volume, and recovery of mucous layer in experimental animal models.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.