Comparison of proteomic profiles and biological properties for corneal wound healing of canine amniotic membrane and its extracts.

Objective: The application of canine amniotic membrane (cAM) for corneal reconstruction is widely used in the veterinary field. However, the information on biological properties and alternative forms of cAM for corneal wound healing is limited. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic profiles and corneal wound healing properties of cAM, cAM extract (cAME), and lyophilized cAM extract (cAMX).

Animal Studied: A total number of 14 cAMs were sterilely harvested from healthy full-term puppies and randomly divided into three different forms: cAM (n = 14), cAME (n = 14), and cAMX (n = 14).

Procedures: Each form of cAMs was subjected to proteomic analysis using label-free liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), followed by bioinformatic analysis. The proteins were classified into properties by comparing them with the literature search on human amniotic membrane (hAM) properties and the effect on corneal wound healing when given topically.

Results: The analyses identified 8136 proteins in cAM, 8211 proteins in cAME, and 7093 proteins in cAMX. A total number of 100 proteins were matched with proteins in hAM properties and were classified into anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-microbial, anti-angiogenic, promotion of epithelialization, analgesic, and support cell adhesion and growth properties. Furthermore, proteins with corneal wound healing effects were identified in cAME and cAMX.

Conclusions: cAM and its extracts contain numerous proteins, including proteins related to corneal wound healing properties. Additionally, cAME and cAMX showed proteins involved in corneal wound healing and their potential benefits for topical use in ophthalmology.