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Prevention of Corneal Neovascularization; a Preliminary Experimental Study in Rabbits
Ali Kasiri1, Mohammad Sadegh Mirdehghan1, Fereydoun Farrahi1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Ophthalmic Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of propranolol, timolol and bevacizumab with betamethasone to prevent corneal neovascularization (CNV) in rabbits. This study was performed on 28 male rabbits. CNV was induced by three 7-0 silk sutures 2 mm long and 1 mm distal to the limbus. Animals were randomly divided into 4 groups of propranolol + betamethasone, timolol + betamethasone and bevacizumab + betamethasone and betamethasone alone. Eye drops were started from the first day of study. On 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th and 42nd days, vascular progression, time of neovascularization and vascular area were evaluated and compared with the control group (betamethasone alone). There was a significant reduction in the area of neovascularization in the timolol and bevacizumab groups compared to the control group (P-value = 0.05, P=0.047, respectively). Also, regarding vascular progression, there was a significant decrease in the timolol and bevacizumab groups (P-value = 0.014, P=0.002, respectively). Regarding delayed onset of neovascularization, there was a significant difference in the timolol and bevacizumab group in rabbits (P-value = 0.04, P=0.00, respectively). In conclusion, the use of timolol and bevacizumab drops besides betamethasone can delay neovascularization and decrease the length of corneal vascularization in rabbits.
Insights
Timolol and bevacizumab eye drops, when used with betamethasone, effectively delay corneal neovascularization (CNV) and reduce vascular growth in rabbits. These treatments offer a promising approach to managing CNV.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a significant cause of vision impairment.
- Current treatments for CNV have limitations, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of propranolol, timolol, and bevacizumab, in combination with betamethasone, for preventing corneal neovascularization in a rabbit model.
- To evaluate the impact of these agents on vascular progression, onset time, and area of neovascularization.
Main Methods:
- Corneal neovascularization was induced in 28 male rabbits using silk sutures.
- Animals were randomized into four groups: propranolol + betamethasone, timolol + betamethasone, bevacizumab + betamethasone, and betamethasone alone (control).
- Eye drop treatments commenced on day one, with evaluations of vascular parameters conducted over 42 days.
Main Results:
- Timolol and bevacizumab groups showed a significant reduction in neovascularized area compared to the control (P=0.05, P=0.047).
- Both timolol and bevacizumab demonstrated a significant decrease in vascular progression (P=0.014, P=0.002).
- A significant delay in the onset of neovascularization was observed with timolol and bevacizumab (P=0.04, P=0.00).
Conclusions:
- Topical timolol and bevacizumab, in conjunction with betamethasone, are effective in delaying the onset and reducing the extent of corneal neovascularization in rabbits.
- These findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits of timolol and bevacizumab for managing conditions involving corneal neovascularization.
