Abstract:

BACKGROUND: A model of stable corneal neovascularization is a regulation mechanism for corneal neovascularation. There are inhibitory and protective effects of curcumin on corneal neovascularization burned by alkali.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of curcumin on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-α) in aqueous humor at different times after alkali burn of cornea.
METHODS: Thirty-three New Zealand white rabbits were included and divided into three groups: normal group (three rabbits collected randomly), control group (15 rabbits) and intervention group (15 rabbits). Rabbits models of corneal neovascularization (CNV) induced by alkali burn were established in control and intervention groups. Rabbits in the control group were received normal saline on the right eyes, and rabbits in the intervention group were received curcumin on the left eyes. CNV and corneal opacity were observed by slit lamp photography. The expressions of VEGF and TNF-α in the aqueous humor before and after using curcumin were detected by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbnent Assay.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: No CNV was found in the control group. Compared with the control group, CNV of the intervention group was inhibited and corneal opacity was slighter (P < 0.05). The expressions of VEGF and TNF-α in the aqueous humor were showed in these three groups, but the expressions of VEGF and TNF-α of the control and invention groups were significant higher than those of the normal group, and the intervention group was lower than the control group (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that curcumin can inhibit the growth of CNV after alkaline burn in rabbit cornea through effectively reducing the expressions of VEGF and TNF-α in the aqueous humor after corneal alkali burn.