MPC Polymer Promotes Recovery from Dry Eye via Stabilization of the Ocular Surface

Abstract

The polymer that includes 2-methacryloyloxy ethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) is well-known as an effectively hydrating multifunction agent. In this study, we prepared an MPC polymer (MPCP) using radical polymerization with co-monomers—MPC/Stearyl Methacrylate/N,N-dimethylacrylamide—and evaluated the MPCP’s usefulness for dry eye treatment using a rabbit model treated with N-acetylcysteine. The MPCP particle size was 50–250 nm, and the form was similar to that of micelles. The MPCP viscosity (approximately 0.95 mPa·s) was 1.17-fold that of purified water, and a decrease in the transepithelial electrical resistance value (corneal damage) was not observed in the immortalized human corneal epithelial cell line HCE-T cell (HCE-T cell layer). The MPCP enhanced the water maintenance on the cornea, and the instillation of MPCP increased the lacrimal fluid volume and prolonged the tear film breakup time without an increase in total mucin contents in the lacrimal fluid of the normal rabbits. The therapeutic potential of the MPCP for dry eye was evaluated using an N-acetylcysteine-treated rabbit model, and, in our investigation, we found that MPCP enhanced the volume of lacrimal fluid and promoted an improvement in the tear film breakup levels. These findings regarding the creation and characteristics of a novel MPCP will provide relevant information for designing further studies to develop a treatment for dry eyes.

Mucoadhesive, antioxidant, and lubricant catechol-functionalized poly(phosphobetaine) as biomaterial nanotherapeutics for treating ocular dryness

“…7 b, p(MPC) exhibited a reduction ( p < 0.05) in fluorescein staining score after h12 of administration. The instillation of hydrophilic p(MPC) can replenish moisture on the ocular surface and stabilize the osmolarity of tear film [ 25 ], but did not adhere well and did not produce an anti-oxidative action to inhibit the progression of DED. Hence, without sufficient bioavailability and bio-adhesive mechanism, CsA and p(MPC) groups have similar scores to those for the untreated DED model (Ctrl) at 4 days postoperatively.…”

“…10 a, all polymer samples demonstrate an increase in tear volume after a h12 topical treatment. Nagai and colleagues showed that p(MPC) can enhance corneal water retention, increase tear volume, and prolong tear film break-up time without increasing the total mucin content in the tear film of a normal rabbit [ 25 ]. The tear meniscus height of p(MPC) and other copolymer groups were ≥ 0.21 mm (more prominent than Ctrl and CsA groups at 0.17 mm) at h12 postoperatively.…”

“…Importantly, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) have so far given their approval for MPC-containing contact lenses [ 23 , 24 ]. Owing to its biocompatibility, p(MPC) has been recently applied once daily for 5 days to promote recovery in DED rabbit model, showing an enhancement in lacrimal fluid volume and an improvement in the tear film break-up levels [ 25 ]. In addition, p(MPC) has been well-recognized as a lubricating agent [ 26 , 27 ], which could provide osmoprotectant from tear desiccation.…”

Potential Therapeutic Role of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide for Dry Eye Disease

“…Furthermore, MPC polymer enhanced the volume of tear fluid in animal models of DED [Nagai 2021]. To date, soft contact lenses containing this MPC have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [ 87 ].…”

Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products for Eye Diseases: Goals and Challenges

“…Issues such as crosslinking techniques, crosslinking chemical additives, and factors influencing crosslinking success including immunogenicity and toxicity are discussed, as well as the limitations and prospects of crosslinking strategies in this field. The research article by Nagai N. et al [6] present a novel biopolymer (MPCP) with hydrating properties that helps to normalize the tear film in an animal model of the severe immune-based, inflammatory disorder that impairs the homeostasis of the ocular surface known as dry eye disease. Using a specific polymerization procedure, MPCP polymer enhanced tear film volume and prolonged the tear film breakup time in disease animal, indicating promising therapeutic properties.…”