Hepatocyte growth factor upregulates MMP1 and MMP10 expression and resolves corneal fibrosis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Corneal scarring is a significant cause of vision impairment.
• Current treatments like steroids have limited efficacy and side effects.
• Topical hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has previously shown potential in suppressing scar development post-injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of HGF in restoring corneal clarity and tissue structure in pre-existing corneal scars.
• To compare HGF treatment with dexamethasone (steroid) and control treatments.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying HGF-mediated corneal repair.

Main Methods:

• Corneal scarring was induced in C57BL/6 mice using mechanical abrasion.
• Established scars were treated with topical recombinant mouse HGF, dexamethasone, or control protein.
• Treatments were administered thrice daily for 10 days.
• Corneal clarity, αSMA expression, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels were assessed.

Main Results:

• HGF treatment significantly restored corneal clarity compared to steroid and control groups.
• HGF downregulated αSMA expression, a marker of myofibroblasts.
• HGF upregulated MMP1 and MMP10, key enzymes in extracellular matrix remodeling.

Conclusions:

• HGF effectively re-establishes corneal clarity and normalizes tissue structure in corneas with pre-existing scars.
• HGF promotes corneal tissue restoration by upregulating MMP1 and MMP10.
• HGF represents a promising therapeutic agent for corneal scarring, offering advantages over steroids.