Krill protease effects on wound healing after corneal alkali burn.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of a novel protease in the development and progression of corneal ulceration secondary to alkali burning.


METHODS
By using a 4N alkali burn model of corneal ulceration in rabbits, the effects and efficacy of topical application of a novel protease (PHM-101) capable of degrading metalloproteinases was studied for 28 days of treatment and 7 days off treatment for its effect on corneal ulceration and recurrent erosion.


RESULTS
At day 28, both the protease- and placebo-treated groups had different numbers of eyes showing reepithelialization (nine (45%) of 20 and six (33%) of 18, respectively]. By day 35 the protease-treated group had significantly fewer recurrent epithelial defects [two (13%) of 15 vs. eight (61%) of 13; p = 0.02]. Similarly, at day 35 the protease-treated group showed significantly less corneal ulceration [two (13%) of 15 vs. six (46%) of 13; p = 0.02], and those ulcers were of a lesser severity (three units vs. 17.76 units). No difference was found in the degree of stromal edema or neovascularization, nor was there any difference in histopathologic characteristics of inflammatory cell infiltration and corneal scarring.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that this novel protease is efficient in reducing recurrent corneal epithelial defects and stromal ulceration after alkali burning.
Sangwan
V S
VS
Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston 02114, USA.
Akpek
E K
EK
Voo
I
I
Zhao
T
T
Pinar
V
V
Yang
J
J
Christen
W
W
Baltatzis
S
S
Wild
R
R
Foster
C S
CS
D000468:Alkalies; D000818:Animals; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000254:growth & development; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011817:Rabbits; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D000468:Alkalies; D010450:Endopeptidases