Abstract
Purpose :
This study aimed to determine the effect of semi-synthetic hydrogel and its combination with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the histopathological, biochemical, clinical, and, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The secondary objective was to define novel parameters for the AS-OCT image analysis through computer-assisted analysis in the rat corneas.
Methods :
Injured rats were randomly divided into five equal groups and topically treated with phosphate-buffered saline (sham), PRP, %0,5 sodium citrate, semi-synthetic sodium alginate hydrogel, and a combination of PRP and hydrogel (combined) after induction of alkali burn. Degree of corneal opacity (CO), corneal epithelial staining (CES), corneal epithelial defects percentage (CEDP), ciliary hyperemia (CH), neovascularization size (NVS), and extent (NVE) were evaluated. AS-OCT was performed at nine days. Histological and biochemical examination were performed to detect the concentration of IL-1β and MMP-9 in the cornea.
Results :
The CO was significantly lower in the PRP group than in the sham group (p=0,044), while the groups were similar in terms of NVS (p>0,05). Groups were similar in terms of tissue MMP-9 levels (p>0,05), while there was a significant difference between groups in tissue IL-1beta levels (p<0,001). In the PRP and combined group, the level of IL-1beta was significantly lower than in the sham group (p=0,043 and p=0,036, respectively). There was a significant epithelial necrosis difference between groups (p=0,003). Epithelial thickness was highest in the combined group (p=0,002). The fastest epithelial closing rate was in the combined group concerning others (p=0,026). There was a significant negative correlation between tissue MMP-9 levels and corneal solidity and corneal area in AS-OCT measurements (p=0,012 and p=0,027, respectively).
Conclusions :
The study revealed that combining PRP with a topical hydrogel accelerated epithelial closure and neovascularization in corneal wounds without worsening inflammation or corneal opacity, compared to using PRP alone. This combination showed potential to enhance epithelial thickness and reduce epithelial necrosis. Additionally, the study highlighted the valuable role of AS-OCT scan image processing in assessing corneal wound healing.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.