Abstract
Purpose :
Cytotoxic agents such as Mitomycin C (MMC) are part of the mainstay treatment for limiting subconjunctival scarring following glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS). However, a safer wound modulating agent is clinically needed. The anti-scarring properties of 3’,4’-dihydroxyflavonol (DiOHF) were evaluated in a rabbit model of GFS.
Methods :
GFS was performed in New Zealand white rabbits (2-3 kg) receiving 3-times daily eye drops of DiOHF, 3-times daily vehicle eye drops, or a single intraoperative injection of MMC. Clinical examination of bleb survival was performed at days 7 and 14 post-surgery. Eyes were harvested on day-14 for assessment of collagen deposition, expression of a-SMA, CD31 and CD45 in the conjunctiva/Tenon’s layer.
Results :
Blebs treated with DiOHF demonstrated reduced inflammation and no signs of avascularity compared those treated with vehicle control. In contrast, blebs treated with MMC demonstrated stark avascularity. Treatment with DiOHF demonstrated a reduction in collagen deposition at the GFS site compared to vehicle-treated eyes. A reduction in CD45 expression, comparable to MMC, was seen in DiOHF-treated eyes, indicating a reduction in inflammation. A reduction in expression of a-SMA and CD31 was seen in DiOHF-treated conjunctiva compared to those treated with vehicle.
Conclusions :
Treatment with DiOHF reduces scarring and angiogenesis in the conjunctiva of rabbits with GFS that is comparable to MMC. The reduction in oxidative stress suggests that DiOHF may suppress scarring via different mechanisms from MMC.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.