Therapeutic Effects of Extracts from Spirulina platensis versus Bevacizumab on Inflammation-Associated Corneal Neovascularization

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this work was to study histological and immunohistochemical changes resulting from corneal alkali burn and to assess these changes after treatment with either polysaccharide extract from Spirulina platensis (PSP) or Bevacizumab. Methods:Alkali burn was induced in corneas by direct application of a filter paper ring (2.5 mm diameter) saturated with 1 N NaOH and applied to the center of the rat corneas for 30 seconds. PSP (extracted from dry powder of Spirulina platensis) and avastin were administered topically on the corneas 4 times daily for 7 days starting 7 days after induction of corneal alkali burn. The therapeutic effects of PSP and avastin were evaluated daily using slit-lamp. At the end of the therapy, corneas were harvested for H and E staining, Masson trichrome staining, immunohistochemical study for assessment of inflammation and corneal neovascularization (CorNV).Results: Topical application of either PSP extract or Avastin had significant therapeutic effects on corneal injuries induced by alkali burn. This was demonstrated by decreasing the CorNV, total and differential corneal thickness and inflammatory cellular responses. They increased the epithelial thickness. PSP showed better results than Avastin in this regards. Conclusion:The naturally occurring Spirulina platensis (PSP) is more cost effective in treatment of corneal neovascularization and decrease inflammation and fibroblast activity in a rat model of corneal neovascularization induced by alkali burn as compared to Avastin.

Comparison between the Effect of Hyaluronic Acid and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy on Cornea of Adult Albino Rats after Exposure to Alkali Burn (Light and Electron Microscopic Study)

“…The new blood vessels can induce leakage of plasma and increasing corneal edema which in turn reduces cornea oxygenation and delays wound healing. (13) Alkali burns induced ulcers were accompanied with inflammatory cells infiltration that damaged the normal corneal architecture due to liberation of matrix metalloproteinases and several proteolytic enzymes (14,15,16) In the current study, rats of group III showed The endothelial cell was still degenerated.…”

Comparative Light and Electron Microscopic Study on the Therapeutic Efficacy of Adipose Derived Stem Cells Versus Exosomes for Experimentally Induced Acute Corneal Injuries in Rats

“…They lead to damage of the normal corneal architecture due to liberation of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and several proteolytic enzymes that dissolve its collagen fibers. Neutrophils and macrophages infiltrate into the cornea after chemical burn as immune cells that are responsible various proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF [35][36][37][38].…”

“…Macrophages release inflammatory mediators that lead to appearance of pathologically induced new blood vessels, a process known as CNV. CNV is frequently accompanied with serious drawbacks as wide stromal spaces known as corneal edema may contain edema fluids, inflammatory cellular infiltrates and secondary corneal scarring with elevated interstitial pressure, finally influencing corneal transparency and leading to loss of vision [35]. Some former workers [3,35] demonstrated the existence of CNV owing to disturbance in balance between several angiogenic factors such as fibroblast growth factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) with a lot of anti-angiogenic molecules such as angiostatin, endostatin, and pigment epithelium derived factor in the cornea.…”

Does oral spirulina protect the cornea from formaldehyde exposure? Application to anatomy laboratories

“…Animal research has shown Spirulina platensis to possess multiple bioactivities in ocular disorders including chemoprotective, antiviral, antioxidant, and radioprotective properties (Yang et al ; Fattah El Shazly et al ; Aly et al ).…”