Topical Silver Nanoparticles Result in Improved Bleb Function by Increasing Filtration and Reducing Fibrosis in a Rabbit Model of Filtration Surgery

Abstract

In a rabbit model of filtration surgery, AgNPs are a reasonable alternative to MMC as adjunctive therapy. Compared to MMC, AgNPs result in an improved and sustained reduction of IOP and promote blebs with decreased fibrosis and ischemia as well as increased filtration despite a smaller overall size. This combination may offer an opportunity to promote long-term surgical IOP reduction with an improved complication profile.

Objective Evaluation of Functionality of Filtering Bleb Based on Polarization-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography

“…In addition, the FS can be used to monitor the progression of fibrosis with novel anti-fibrotic agents. 28 The present method has certain limitations for evaluation of blebs with strong inflammation and congestion. In our previous rabbit study, 14 we have seen no increase in phase retardation 0 days after surgery compared to 1 and 2 weeks after the surgery.…”

Paclitaxel-Releasing Thin Biodegradable Film for Prevention of Bleb Avascularity Without Compromising Filtration in Rabbits

“…Other reports indicated survival rate ranged from 0% to 50% at various follow-up periods (from 4-6 weeks). 16,[37][38][39] From these results, it appears to be difficult to achieve greater than 90% bleb survival (human 1-year goal) at 3 months in a rabbit model of filtration surgery with MMC, because the wound healing reaction is more aggressive in rabbits than in humans. Accordingly, the results of experiment 2 indicate that a HPF with 0.5 lg PTX provided sustained IOP reduction and favorable bleb survival even after a long follow-up period.…”

Developing novel anti-fibrotic therapeutics to modulate post-surgical wound healing in glaucoma: big potential for small molecules

“…Using the rabbit model of glaucoma filtration surgery, Butler et al showed that topical silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) achieved an improved and sustained reduction in intraocular pressure, and led to blebs with decreased fibrosis and ischemia compared with MMC [ 71 ]. Ag-NPs have also been shown to accelerate wound healing after skin burns, with decreased scar tissue formation and anti-inflammatory effects [ 72 ].…”