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NorLeu3A(1-7) Accelerates Clear Corneal Full Thickness Wound Healing
Walid F Abdallah1, Stan G Louie2, Yi Zhang3
1USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|April 27, 2016
Summary
Topical USB004, a gel containing NorLeu3-Angiotensin (1-7), significantly accelerated full-thickness cornea wound healing in rabbits. This treatment promoted faster resolution of swelling and inflammation, reduced wound leakage, and resulted in clear corneal healing without fibrosis or new blood vessel growth.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a role in tissue repair.
- Corneal injuries can lead to impaired healing, fibrosis, and neovascularization.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to promote optimal corneal wound healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of NorLeu3-Angiotensin (1-7) (NLE), formulated as USB004, in promoting the healing of full-thickness corneal injuries.
- To assess the safety of topical USB004 in ocular applications.
Main Methods:
- Dutch pigmented rabbits received topical conjunctival administration of 0.3% or 0.03% USB004, or vehicle control, once daily for 28 days.
- Safety was assessed via intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, slit-lamp examination, and confocal microscopy.
- Efficacy was evaluated using clinical examination, modified Seidel testing, IOP challenge tests, confocal microscopy, and histological analysis.
Main Results:
- Topical USB004 (0.3% and 0.03%) and vehicle control were safe for ocular application in healthy and injured eyes.
- USB004 treatment resulted in a 2-fold acceleration in the resolution of corneal edema and inflammation.
- USB004 significantly reduced wound leakage duration and promoted healing with near-normal corneal architecture, notably without fibrosis or angiogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Topical ocular application of 0.3% and 0.03% USB004 effectively promotes full-thickness cornea wound healing.
- USB004 facilitates regeneration leading to clear corneal healing, free from fibrosis and angiogenesis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the cornea-specific mechanisms driving this regenerative process.
