Comparison of Astaxanthin and autologous platelet-rich plasma eyedrops in a corneal alkali injury animal model
Project no. 24035 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2023
Summary
<p><strong>Chemical eye injuries account for 10.8-21% of all eye injuries. These injuries can occur in the workplace, laboratories, at home, or as illegal attacks. Alkali substances are responsible for 60% of these injuries.</strong></p><p><strong>The first 7 days of chemical eye injuries constitute the acute phase, followed by the early repair period from 8 to 21 days. Depending on the severity of the injury, these can later lead to serious conditions such as limbal insufficiency, corneal neovascularization, and corneal opacity as sequelae. Additionally, scarring problems such as symblepharon, ankyloblepharon, and trichiasis may also arise. Current treatments for this pathology include ascorbic acid, tetracycline, and corticosteroids. Scar-related complications are corrected surgically.</strong></p><p><strong>Astaxanthin is a red-orange carotenoid pigment belonging to the xanthophyll family. Like most carotenoids, it is a colorful, fat-soluble pigment. Astaxanthin is found in microalgae, yeast, salmon, trout, shrimp, crayfish, shellfish, and the feathers of some birds. Its unique molecular structure provides potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activity. It is effective in treating retinal diseases, ocular surface diseases, cataracts, uveitis, and asthenopia (eye weakness caused by eye strain). The effectiveness of astaxanthin has been demonstrated through numerous animal and clinical studies, showing its role in modulating different metabolic pathways and regulating cellular homeostasis. Unlike some other carotenoids, astaxanthin does not convert to vitamin A in the human body. While high doses of vitamin A can be toxic, astaxanthin does not show toxic effects. Additionally, astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant, exhibiting an effect 10 times stronger than other carotenoids. Although it is a natural food component, it is used as a dietary supplement. It can be sourced naturally or synthesized. In humans, it is primarily used as a dietary supplement. Research indicates that due to its potent antioxidant effect, it may also be beneficial in cardiovascular, immunological, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases. Astaxanthin's anti-inflammatory effect is notably achieved by reducing the oxidative stress effect and increasing intracellular calcium concentration, thereby enhancing the phagocytic and microbicidal capacities of neutrophils. Chemical eye injuries result in intense inflammation, increased oxidative capacity, and apoptosis. This study will investigate the effectiveness of astaxanthin, known for its significant efficacy against these pathologies.</strong></p><p><strong>In our study, 14 New Zealand rabbits will be used. The rabbits will be divided into 4 groups: 3 experimental groups each consisting of 6 animals and a control group of 2 animals without treatment or model. In Group 1, the right eyes of the rabbits will receive topical astaxanthin drops, and the left eyes will receive 0.09% NaCl drops. In Group 2, the right eyes will receive autologous serum drops, and the left eyes will receive 0.09% NaCl drops. Group 2 rabbits will not receive any treatment after the chemical eye injury model. Additionally, all rabbits will be given an antibiotic eye ointment (tobrased ointment) once daily to prevent potential infections. All treatments will be applied 4 times a day (08:00, 12:00, 16:00, and 18:00). All groups will be regularly monitored weekly, and high-resolution anterior segment photographs will be taken with a mobile phone camera. At the end of 3 weeks, all groups will be sacrificed, and their corneas will be collected for histopathological examination. Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson Trichrome, and PAS staining will be performed during the histopathological examination. Additionally, TGF-beta and IL-6 will be evaluated immunohistochemically.</strong></p>