Is Sesamol Effective in Corneal Neovascularization?

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of topically and subconjunctivally administered sesamol on experimentally induced corneal neovascularization in rats.

Methods: Fifty-six right eyes of 56 Wistar Albino rats were chemically cauterized to induce corneal neovascularization in this experimental and comparative study. The subjects were divided into eight groups: topical sesamol (group 1), subconjunctival sesamol (group 2), topical bevacizumab (group 3), subconjunctival bevacizumab (group 4), topical bevacizumab+ sesamol (group 5), subconjunctival bevacizumab+ sesamol (group 6), topical Tween 80 (group 7), and control (group 8). The amount of subconjunctivally injected sesamol and bevacizumab was 1.25 mg each. Topical groups were administered 10 mg/mL drops twice daily. The control group was left untreated. To evaluate the degree of corneal neovascularization, digital photographs and corneal sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin and CD31 were used.

Results: When photographs of neovascularization areas were examined, all treatment groups showed statistically significant differences when compared with the control group (P<0.001). Topical sesamol was found to be more effective when compared with subconjunctival sesamol (P=0.003). Topical sesamol+ bevacizumab was found to be more effective when compared with topical bevacizumab (P=0.018). The numbers of new corneal vessels were as follows: 12.28±6.29 in group 1, 36.85±12.8 in group 2, 18.85±7.71 in group 3, 16.85±8.70 in group 4, 19.57±8.56 in group 5, 22.57±7.43 in group 6, 45.00±11.29 in group 7, and 51.16±5.91 in group 8 (P<0.001).

Conclusions: The outcomes of this study suggest antiangiogenic effects of sesamol. The use of topical sesamol monotherapy or sesamol combined with bevacizumab may be options for the prevention of corneal neovascularization.