The Effect of Collagen-Chitosan-Sodium Hyaluronates Intrastromal Implantation on Corneal Clarity and Transforming Growth Factor (TGF-ß) (Experimental Study On New Zealand Rabbit)

Abstract

Background: Stromal haziness due to various diseases could results in permanent blindness. Currently, many biomaterials are developed to help aid the healing, so, haziness does not occur. This study aims to examine the effect of the collagen-chitosan-sodium hyaluronic (Col-Chi-NaHa) as an alternative to healing the corneal stroma so that corneal haziness does not occur.Method: A total of 30 New Zealand male rabbit eyes were divided into three groups. The first group was not treated at all. The second group performed intrastromal injuries by making a stromal pocket with the aid of a crescent knife. The third group carried out implantation of the Col-Chi-NaHa biomaterial which was inserted into the stromal pocket. On day 14, the corneal haziness level was examined using an eye microscope and handheld slit lamp. Immunohistochemical staining of the cornea was carried out using anti-TGF-ß antibodies.Result: After 14 days post-treatment showed that there was more significant haziness between the Col-Chi-NaHa composite implantation group and the control group (p = 0.00, ⍺> 0.05). There were also lower TGF-β levels between the Col-Chi-NaHa implantation group and the control group (p = 0.00, ⍺> 0.05). Conclusion:Corneal clarity in the implanted group was lower than that of the control group but this was due to the short observation period which causing biomaterial not completely degraded. The TGF-β level in the implanted group was lower than control.