The effect of combinations of flurbiprofen, low molecular weight heparin, and doxycycline on the inhibition of corneal neovascularization.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of various combinations of flurbiprofen, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and doxycycline on the inhibition of corneal neovascularization in rats.


METHODS
Chemical cauterization of the cornea in 32 eyes of 32 rats was performed using silver nitrate/potassium nitrate sticks. The animals were divided into 4 groups. Topical instillation of 0.015% flurbiprofen with 5 mg/mL LMWH (group 1); flurbiprofen with 10 mg/mL doxycycline (group 2); doxycycline with LMWH (group 3), and saline (group 4; control) was performed twice a day for 7 days. Slit-lamp photography was used to determine the percent areas of cornea covered by neovascularization and also by scar in each group. The means were compared to find any significant (P < 0.05) difference between groups. The animals were euthanized and the eyes enucleated for histological evaluation.


RESULTS
The mean of percent area of corneal neovascularization 5 in group 1 was 48.5 +/- 13.1; group 2, 6.6 +/- 5.5; group 3, 22.0 +/- 27.6 and group 4, 64.6 +/- 9. The means of percent area of neovascularization in groups 2 and 3 were significantly lower compared with control and group 1. There was no significant difference in the percent corneal neovascularization between groups 2 and 3 or between group 1 and the control group. Histological findings were consistent with slit-lamp evaluations.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical instillation of combinations of doxycycline with either flurbiprofen or LMWH can effectively inhibit corneal neovascularization made by chemical cauterization of the cornea in rats.
Peyman
Gholam A
GA
Department of Ophthalmology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112-2699, USA. gpeyman@tulane.edu
Kazi
Abdul Ahad
AA
Riazi-Esfahani
Mohammad
M
Aydin
Erdinc
E
Kivilcim
Muhamet
M
Sanders
Donald R
DR
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005480:Flurbiprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D020318:Rats, Long-Evans
D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D005480:Flurbiprofen; D004318:Doxycycline