Abstract
Purpose :
Neurosensory abnormalities were recognized to play etiological role in the Dry Eye Disease (DED) onset. Neurotrophins are critical modulators for the peripheral nervous systems, and their supply may be beneficial for the restoration of sub basal corneal nerves impaired in DED. The aim of this work was to evaluate the levels of neurotrophins in eyedrops from differently prepared allogeneic blood sources (Cord Blood-CB, and Peripheral Blood-PB).
Methods :
PBs from 20 healthy adult donors and 20 CBs sampled at the delivery were prepared in different protocols to obtain Serum (S), Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Poor Platelet Plasma (PPP), PRP Ca-activated to retrieve serum (S-retr). The levels of BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor), NGF (Nerve Growth Factor), GDNF (Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor), FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor), and EGF (Epidermal Growth factor) were assessed by the Luminex xMAP, by using multikine kits from R&D. Statistical analysis compared the levels of neurotrophins in the four different preparations, and the associations with obstetric data, Platelet count (PLT), and White Blood Cell (WBC) content were also investigated.
Results :
The levels of EGF, GDNF and FGF were significantly higher in CB-S as compared to PB-S (respectively, 748.1 ± 368.5 vs 347.6 ± 51.2, P = 0.017; 1.5 ± 0.9 vs 0.7 ± 0.3, P = 0.024; 100.0 ± 75.6 vs 6.2 ± 6.9, P < 0.001); while no significant difference in BDNF and NGF was observed (both P > 0.05). The female sex showed a significant association in predicting a higher level of BDNF (Rs = 0.251, P = 0.001). The levels of EGF were significantly associated with WBC and PLT (respectively, Rs = 0.214, P = 0.028; Rs = 0.198; P = 0.043). A significant difference in BDNF, EGF and FGF was obtained using different preparation protocols (respectively, P < 0.001; P < 0.001; P = 0.001).
Conclusions :
Blood-based eye drops represent an important treatment option for severe DED, as they supply a combination of active substances that mimic the function of natural tears. This work showed that protocols of preparation determine different levels of a natural pool of neurotrophins. A close collaboration among different disciplines should be established with the aim to optimize and standardize the preparations, select specific neurotrophin levels, and stratify patients for successful clinical outcomes .
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.