Aloe vera gel facilitates re-epithelialization of corneal alkali burn in normal and diabetic rats

Abstract

PurposeTo investigate the efficacy of topical applied aloe vera (AV) and to facilitate the repair of the standardized alkaline corneal ulcer in normal and diabetic rats.Materials and methodsThe corneal alkali-burn injury model was established unilaterally in Wistar rats by filter paper saturated with 0.01 M NaOH contacting the eyes for 45 seconds. Rats were divided into four groups: normal control (NC), normal AV (NAV), diabetic control (DC), and diabetic AV (DAV). NAV and DAV groups were treated with AV gel eye drops four times daily, and NC and DC groups were treated with normal saline for 3 days. Corneal epithelial wound closure and degree of edema were recorded using slit lamp and optical coherence tomography at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours postwounding. Histological examination was conducted to evaluate the degree of inflammation and the healing effect.ResultsCorneal epithelial wound healing was better in the NAV group than in the NC group, and it was significantly higher in the DAV group than in the DC group (P<0.05). In comparison to the DC group, DAV treated with AV demonstrated a marked reduction in edema at 48 and 72 hours. Histologically, corneal re-epithelialization was complete and higher in DAV group than that in DC group; moreover, the inflammatory cells were increased in DC group than DAV group (P<0.05).ConclusionThis study demonstrated the efficacy of AV for enhanced corneal re-epithelialization, as well as reduced inflammatory response after alkali burn in rats; therefore, it could be useful as a therapy for diabetic keratopathy.

Use of Copaifera multijuga for acute corneal repair after chemical injury: A clinical, histopathological and toxicogenetic study

“…Analysis of corneal re-epithelization in the groups treated with the C. multijuga eye drops revealed that the copaiba oil did not interfere with the proliferation or transport of cells close to the wound. Similar findings have been reported by Atiba et al [4]. who used Aloe vera in rats.…”

“…According to Veiga et al [13], the price difference to other oils renders adulteration common, a process that reduces effectiveness of the active ingredients and generates disbelief in the pharmacological efficacy of the product. Scientific studies have identified diterpenes and sesquiterpenes as major compounds of the oleoresin [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Since these compounds account for more than 90% of the composition of C. multijuga oil, its pharmacological activities can be attributed to these molecules [20].…”

“…Ulcers were induced using a 3-mm diameter Whatman No. 41 filter paper disk produced with a surgical punch [4] and immersed in 1 N sodium hydroxide solution for 15 s [5]. The disk was then placed in the center of the cornea for one minute and disposed of after use.…”

“…Although several therapeutic modalities exist for alkali burns, none of them is completely effective [4]. Thus, new drugs need to be identified, for example natural products that can be used alone or in combination with already established drugs [5].…”

The molecular mechanisms of action of PPAR-γ agonists in the treatment of corneal alkali burns?(Review)

“…A number of topical therapeutics against NV or inflammation associated with CAB are under investigation ( 25 ). Some of these potential topical therapeutics under investigation are aloe vera, prospero homeobox 1 short interfering RNA, Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitors (AMA0526), 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine, keratinocyte growth factor-2, omentum, protein phosphatase magnesium dependent-1 and melatonin, and may potentially be used for the treatment of CAB in clinical practice ( 26 – 33 ). Subconjunctival bevacizumab injection may be considered as a secondary treatment for CNV caused by chemical injuries that are not responsive to conventional steroid therapy ( 34 , 35 ).…”