Gelam honey potentiates ex vivo corneal keratocytes proliferation with desirable phenotype expression

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of Gelam honey on corneal keratocytes proliferative capacity and phenotypic characterization via MTT assay, gene expression and immunocytochemistry.MethodsCorneal keratocytes from New Zealand white rabbits were cultured in basal medium (BM) and serum enriched medium (BMS). Serial dilutions of Gelam honey (GH) were added to both media and cells were cultured until passage 1. MTT assay was performed on corneal keratocytes in both media to ascertain the optimal dose of GH that produced maximum proliferation.ResultsGelam honey at the concentration of 0.0015 % in both media showed the highest proliferative capacity with no morphological changes compared to their respective controls. The gene expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), a marker for quiescent keratocytes and vimentin, a marker for fibroblast, were higher in the GH enriched groups. The alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, marker for myofibroblast, was lower in GH treated groups compared to the controls. Immunocytochemistry results were in accordance to the gene expression analyses.ConclusionGelam honey at a concentration of 0.0015 % promotes ex vivo corneal keratocytes proliferation while retaining desirable phenotype expression. The results serve as a basis for the development of Gelam honey as a potential natural product in promoting corneal wound healing.

Effect of Kelulut Honey on the Cellular Dynamics of TGFβ-Induced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Primary Human Keratinocytes

“…In terms of the dose response viability, a study using Gelam honey and corneal keratocytes reported the same findings as the current study [32]. Glucose constitutes 30% of the stingless bee honey mass [33].…”

Physicochemical and Medicinal Properties of Tualang, Gelam and Kelulut Honeys: A Comprehensive Review

“…In another study, Gelam honey was shown to promote in vitro corneal fibroblast wound healing, where corneal fibroblast cultured with Gelam honey demonstrated faster wound closure than the control group [ 129 ]. Moreover, two studies have shown that Gelam honey at a concentration of 0.0015% promoted ex-vivo corneal keratocytes and corneal epithelial cell proliferation whilst preserving their phenotypical features [ 130 , 131 ]. These findings could suggest Gelam honey formulation gel for topical treatment in wound healing for humans.…”

Gelam Honey: A Review of Its Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer and Wound Healing Aspects

“…Thus, it is believed that GH at concentration of 0.0015% promoted ex-vivo corneal keratocytes proliferation while retaining desirable phenotype expression. These results showed GH as a potential therapeutic natural agent in improving corneal wound healing (Yusof et al 2016).…”