title: The novel use of decorin in prevention of the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The cytokine transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) is a pivotal contributor to tissue fibrosis and a key cytokine in the pathogenesis of cellular transdifferentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell adhesion. This study evaluates the effect of decorin, a naturally occurring TGF-ß inhibitor, in an experimental rabbit model for proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).
  
  
  METHODS
  Traumatic PVR was induced in 50 rabbits divided into ten groups (n = 5). One group (GI) reveals a control with no treatment after trauma. Groups (GII-GIV) consisted of subgroups receiving phacovitrectomy at three different time points; (a) at the time of trauma, (b) 1 week following trauma, and (c) 2 weeks following trauma. GIII and GIV received 100 μg or 200 μg decorin, respectively. PVR severity was scored from 0 to 4. The amount of fibrosis was quantified using JMicroVision© software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The control group GI developed severe PVR with tractional retinal detachment (TRD); (PVR score ≥2) in four rabbits out of five. Vitrectomy had a positive effect (p < 0.05) on PVR development when preformed immediately, however the developed fibrosis was high. The best results were obtained when surgery was used in conjunction with decorin that reduced both the PVR score and fibrosis development significantly (p < 0.05). Depending on dosage and time of vitrectomy, PVR could be completely avoided (PVR score = 0) in 16 rabbits out of 30. TRD was prevented in 13 rabbits out of 15 in GIII to 14 rabbits out of 15 in GIV. In decorin-treated eyes, vitrectomy outcome was best when preformed at 1 week after trauma. There were no drug-related toxic effects evident on clinical and histopathological examination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, in this rabbit model of PVR, adjuvant decorin application during vitrectomy effectively reduces fibrosis and TRD development. In conjunction with no obvious histopathological toxicity signs, decorin represents a promising substance to inhibit PVR reactions.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck, Germany. khaledmohnassar@yahoo.com
authors: Khaled
authors: K
authors: Nassar
authors: Julia
authors: J
authors: Lüke
authors: Matthias
authors: M
authors: Lüke
authors: Mahmoud
authors: M
authors: Kamal
authors: Effat
authors: E
authors: Abd El-Nabi
authors: Mahmoud
authors: M
authors: Soliman
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Rohrbach
authors: Salvatore
authors: S
authors: Grisanti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D058575:Decorin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D058449:Intravitreal Injections; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D014821:Vitrectomy; D018630:Vitreoretinopathy, Proliferative / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D058575:Decorin; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta