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Published on: August 2, 2024
Effect of macrophage migration inhibitory factor on corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis in rabbit
Joon Young Hyon1, Stacey Hose2, Celine Gongora3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea.
Purpose:
To investigate the effect of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery.
Methods:
New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. A hinged corneal flap (160-µm thick) was created with a microkeratome, and -3.0 diopter excimer laser ablation was performed. Expressions of MIF mRNA in the corneal epithelial cells and surrounding inflammatory cells were analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction at 48 hours after LASIK. After LASIK surgery, the rabbits were topically given either 1) a balanced salt solution (BSS), 2) MIF (100 ng/mL) alone, or 3) a combination of nerve growth factor (NGF, 100 ug/mL), neurotrophine-3 (NT-3, 100 ng/mL), interleukin-6 (IL-6, 5 ng/mL), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF, 5 ng/mL) four times a day for three days. Preoperative and postoperative corneal sensitivity at two weeks and at 10 weeks were assessed using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer.
Results:
Expression of MIF mRNA was 2.5-fold upregulated in the corneal epithelium and 1.5-fold upregulated in the surrounding inflammatory cells as compared with the control eyes. Preoperative baseline corneal sensitivity was 40.56 ± 2.36 mm. At two weeks after LASIK, corneal sensitivity was 9.17 ± 5.57 mm in the BSS treated group, 21.92 ± 2.44 mm in the MIF treated group, and 22.42 ± 1.59 mm in the neuronal growth factors-treated group (MIF vs. BSS, p < 0.0001; neuronal growth factors vs. BSS, p < 0.0001; MIF vs. neuronal growth factors, p = 0.815). At 10 weeks after LASIK, corneal sensitivity was 15.00 ± 9.65, 35.00 ± 5.48, and 29.58 ± 4.31 mm respectively (MIF vs. BSS, p = 0.0001; neuronal growth factors vs. BSS, p = 0.002; MIF vs. neuronal growth factors, p = 0.192). Treatment with MIF alone could achieve as much of an effect on recovery of corneal sensation as treatment with combination of NGF, NT-3, IL-6, and LIF.
Conclusions:
Topically administered MIF plays a significant role in the early recovery of corneal sensitivity after LASIK in the experimental animal model.
Insights
Topical macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) significantly enhances corneal sensitivity recovery after LASIK surgery. This finding suggests MIF
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Corneal sensitivity is crucial for maintaining ocular surface integrity.
- Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery can transiently impair corneal sensitivity.
- Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an inflammatory cytokine with potential roles in tissue repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of topical macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on corneal sensitivity following LASIK.
- To compare the efficacy of MIF treatment with a combination of growth factors and a control solution.
Main Methods:
- LASIK surgery was performed on New Zealand white rabbits.
- MIF mRNA expression was analyzed post-LASIK.
- Rabbits received topical treatments of balanced salt solution (BSS), MIF, or a combination of growth factors (NGF, NT-3, IL-6, LIF).
- Corneal sensitivity was measured using a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer at two and ten weeks post-surgery.
Main Results:
- MIF mRNA expression was upregulated in corneal epithelial and inflammatory cells after LASIK.
- MIF treatment significantly improved corneal sensitivity at two and ten weeks compared to BSS.
- MIF treatment showed comparable efficacy to the combination growth factor treatment in restoring corneal sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Topical MIF administration significantly accelerates corneal sensitivity recovery after LASIK in an animal model.
- MIF demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for managing post-LASIK dry eye and discomfort.
- Further research is warranted to explore MIF's clinical application in ophthalmic procedures.
