Inhibition of cell proliferation by mitomycin C incorporated into P(HEMA) hydrogels

Diane A Blake1, Nurettin Sahiner, Vijay T John

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.

Journal of Glaucoma
|July 26, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A novel slow-release form of mitomycin C (MMC) effectively inhibits cell proliferation in vitro. This polymer-bound MMC shows promise for future glaucoma surgeries, potentially improving outcomes in wound healing.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Standardization of mitomycin C (MMC) delivery in glaucoma surgery is lacking, leading to inconsistent outcomes.
  • Single-application MMC may have reduced efficacy in glaucoma drainage device surgeries compared to trabeculectomies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of a slow-release formulation of MMC in inhibiting cell proliferation.
  • To investigate the potential of polymer-bound MMC for enhanced drug delivery in ophthalmic procedures.

Main Methods:

  • Mitomycin C (MMC) was incorporated into poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (P(HEMA)) hydrogels via redox polymerization.
  • COS-1 cells and human conjunctival fibroblasts were cultured on hydrogel disks, with and without MMC, to assess cell proliferation and morphology.
  • Removal of unreacted low molecular weight components from hydrogels was performed before MMC incorporation in some experiments.

Main Results:

  • Hydrogels containing unreacted components inhibited cell proliferation and altered cell morphology.
  • Human conjunctival fibroblasts demonstrated higher sensitivity to hydrogel contaminants and MMC than COS-1 cells.
  • MMC-loaded hydrogels, after contaminant removal, exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of fibroblast proliferation with an IC50 of approximately 0.15 mg/g.

Conclusions:

  • A slow-release formulation of MMC effectively inhibits cell proliferation in vitro.
  • This polymer-bound MMC demonstrates potential for controlling wound healing in vivo.
  • Further research is warranted to assess the in vivo efficacy of this sustained-release MMC delivery system.

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