Purpose: To report the effect of topical application of recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) eye drops on corneal epithelial regeneration in patients with refractory epitheliopathy.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients treated with topical rhNGF for refractory epithelial keratopathy due to stage I neurotrophic keratitis (NK). Data regarding demographics and ocular/systemic past medical history was extracted from patient charts. Visual acuity and corneal staining scores were recorded at baseline and subsequent follow-up visits at 8 weeks and 3 months. Measurements from the worse eye were used to compare before and after treatment values.
Results: We identified 14 patients (median age 68 years, 21% male) who received rhNGF treatment for refractory epithelial keratopathy. After an 8-week treatment with topical rhNGF, the median corneal staining score in the worse eye improved from 4 to 1 ( = 0.001). All patients showed at least one-grade improvement in corneal staining at 8 weeks, with sustained effect in seven patients at 3 months. A better response was observed in eyes with post-radiation epithelial keratopathy, LASIK, and Sjogren's disease. Those with chronic use of other topical treatments and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus demonstrated incomplete responses. Eight patients reported mild-to-moderate ocular discomfort from drop application that fully resolved after completion of treatment.
Conclusions: Topical rhNGF was effective and safe for refractory epithelial keratopathy in our small cohort, but sustained effects were seen only in certain etiologies for up to 3 months. Further studies are needed for optimal dosing and duration based on underlying causes.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09273948.2024.2322012 | DOI Listing |
J Vis Exp
January 2025
Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy and Cell Biology, Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine;
Due to its anatomical and physiological similarities to the human eye, the porcine eye serves as a robust model for biomedical research and ocular toxicity assessment. An air/liquid corneal culture system using porcine eyes was developed, and ex vivo epithelial wound healing was utilized as a critical parameter for these studies. Fresh pig corneas were processed for organ culture, with or without epithelial wounding.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMater Today Bio
February 2025
Aier Academy of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Diabetic keratopathy (DK), a significant complication of diabetes, often leads to corneal damage and vision impairment. Effective models are essential for studying DK pathogenesis and evaluating potential therapeutic interventions. This study developed a novel biomimetic full-thickness corneal model for the first time, incorporating corneal epithelial cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, and nerves to simulate DK conditions .
View Article and Find Full Text PDFActa Biomater
January 2025
Ophthalmology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China. Electronic address:
The shortage of corneal donors and the limitations in tissue engineering grafts, such as biocompatibility and mechanical properties, pose significant challenges in corneal transplantation. Here, for the first time, we investigate the effect of Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 and a dual media culture approach, including proliferative media (M1) and stabilizing media (M2), on rabbit limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs), aiming to explore the feasibility of constructing corneal cell sheets in vitro through auto-bioprinting and assessing their corneal wound healing capacity in vivo. Y-27632 has primarily demonstrated significantly enhanced LESCs growth, proliferation, and reduced apoptosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Ophthalmol
January 2025
Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, 35340, Izmir, Türkiye.
Background: Aniridia is a rare panocular disease caused by gene mutation in the PAX6, which is essential for eye development. Aniridia is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, but its phenotype can vary significantly among individuals with the same mutation. Animal models, such as drosophila, zebrafish, and rodents, have been used to study aniridia through Pax6 deletions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJpn J Ophthalmol
January 2025
Miyata Eye Hospital, 6-3, Kuraharacho, Miyakonojo, 885-0051, Miyazaki, Japan.
Purpose: This study aimed to report the incidence, characteristics, and prognosis of corneal perforation in patients with leprosy.
Study Design: Retrospective observational study.
Methods: Patients who presented with leprosy and visited a specialised ophthalmology hospital (Miyata Eye Hospital, Miyazaki, Japan) between 1980 and 2020 were included.
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