Investigating Nerves in Regenerated Corneas after Treatment with Anti-Scarring Artificial Cornea Technology - 5526
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Author’s Disclosure Block: Anas Abu Dieh, none; Neethi Thathapudi, none; Mostafa Zamani Roudbaraki, none; Marie-Claude Robert, none; Samir Jabbour, none; Mona Harissi-Dagher, none; Christos Boutopoulos, none; May Griffith, none
Abstract Body
Purpose/Background: Corneal blindness is a significant global health issue, with human donor corneal transplantation as the only curative treatment, which is in shortage. The Griffith laboratory is the first to use acellular recombinant human collagen implants to regenerate high-risk corneas in a small group of patients. Hence, the development of biosynthetic, anti-scarring corneas may offer a promising alternative, through corneal healing with reduced myofibroblast growth, which impedes nerve regeneration. Study Design: Basic Science. Methods: This study utilized collagen-like peptide (CLP) hydrogels as a treatment in a model of severe corneal damage induced by alkali burns in eight minipigs. The hydrogels, devoid of RGD peptide, were applied to create conditions conducive to nerve growth without fibrotic scarring. Nerve regeneration was assessed using In Vivo Confocal Microscopy (IVCM) at 2-, 3-, 6- and 9-months post-surgery, capturing images to quantify nerve structures within the cornea. The average nerve fibre length (ANFL) was calculated for each cornea, at the aforementioned time points. Results: Quantitative analysis of nerve fibre length indicated that in 80% of the population, ANFL was greatest at 2 months postoperatively, demonstrating early nerve recovery. At 2- and 3 months post-op, the treated corneas presented an average ANFL significantly greater than the control corneas (p<0.05 and p<0.01 respectively). Conclusion:The use of anti-scarring artificial corneas does not encourage myofibroblast formation, thereby enhancing nerve regeneration in treated corneas, highlighting its potential as an effective alternative to traditional corneal transplants. The results suggest a rapid initial peripheral nerve growth, which was more pronounced due the absence of myofibroblast differentiation. A lower presence of myofibroblasts during the healing process, contributes to clearer, haze-free corneal regeneration.