Growth factors and corneal epithelium

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Corneal epithelial regeneration is crucial for vision.
• Limited treatments exist for persistent epithelial defects.
• Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) receptors are present on corneal epithelial cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of topical biosynthetic human EGF in accelerating corneal epithelial wound healing.
• To study the pharmacokinetics and delivery dynamics of EGF in the ocular environment, particularly with contact lenses and lenticles.

Main Methods:

• Topical application of biosynthetic human EGF in primates and rabbits with induced corneal injuries.
• Analysis of EGF concentration and half-life in tear film, conjunctival tissue, and with soft contact lenses/epikeratophakia lenticles.
• Assessment of EGF diffusion through corneal tissue and its effect on suture sites.

Main Results:

• Topical EGF significantly accelerated epithelial regeneration in primates and rabbits.
• EGF in eye drops showed rapid clearance from the tear film (90% loss in 10 min).
• Contact lenses and lenticles absorbed significant EGF and released it over 24 hours (half-life of 4 hours in vitro).
• EGF did not diffuse through the cornea or promote epithelial downgrowth.

Conclusions:

• Biosynthetic human EGF is effective in promoting corneal epithelial wound healing.
• Delivery systems like soft contact lenses and lenticles can sustain EGF release in the eye.
• Growth factors represent a potential therapeutic strategy for ocular surface injuries.