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Aggravation of herpetic stromal keratitis after murine epidermal grown factor topical application
A Romano1, A Peisich, D Wasserman
1Ophthalmic Microbiology Laboratory, Maurice & Gabriela Goldschleger Eye Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
Abstract:
We evaluated the epithelializing-promoting effect of a concentration of 0.005 mg/ml murine epidermal growth factor (mEGF), topically administered four times daily, on the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) corneal ulcers of the rabbit eye. The severity of the herpetic lesions was evaluated clinically, after the time course of the severity of epithelial keratitis, conjunctivitis, iritis, and stromal disease, for 14 days. A histological assessment was performed in the middle and at the end of the follow-up. The stromal keratitis of the mEGF-treated group was significantly more severe than the keratitis exhibited by the placebo-treated rabbits (Y = X3 X2*X4; p = 0.0001). There were no significant differences in the degree of conjunctivitis, epithelial keratitis, iritis, and virus shedding between these groups. No evidence of a toxic effect of mEGF or placebo was found in the mock infected rabbit eyes. More studies, using different herpes virus strains and a broad range of murine and human EGF concentrations, are mandatory to ascertain the general significance of these results. Meanwhile, caution is recommended when using mEGF in the presence of an occult or manifest herpetic eye disease.
Insights
Murine epidermal growth factor (mEGF) did not accelerate healing of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) corneal ulcers in rabbits. Stromal keratitis worsened significantly in mEGF-treated eyes compared to placebo, suggesting caution when using mEGF for eye conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a common cause of infectious keratitis.
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is investigated for its potential wound-healing properties.
- The efficacy of murine epidermal growth factor (mEGF) in treating viral corneal ulcers requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the epithelializing-promoting effect of topically administered mEGF on HSV-1 induced corneal ulcers in rabbits.
- To assess the clinical and histological severity of herpetic lesions following mEGF treatment.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits with HSV-1 corneal ulcers were treated with 0.005 mg/ml mEGF four times daily.
- Clinical evaluation of epithelial keratitis, conjunctivitis, iritis, and stromal disease was performed over 14 days.
- Histological assessment was conducted mid- and end-study.
Main Results:
- Stromal keratitis was significantly more severe in the mEGF-treated group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.0001).
- No significant differences were observed in conjunctivitis, epithelial keratitis, iritis, or viral shedding between groups.
- No toxic effects of mEGF or placebo were detected in mock-infected eyes.
Conclusions:
- Topical mEGF did not demonstrate an epithelializing-promoting effect on HSV-1 corneal ulcers in rabbits.
- mEGF treatment exacerbated stromal keratitis, indicating potential risks.
- Caution is advised when using mEGF in patients with existing or potential herpetic eye disease.