The Efficacy Of Topical And Subconjunctival Aflibercept And Corneal Adropin Levels In Experimental Corneal Neovascularization

The cornea is an avascular tissue. The development of neovascularization due to a variety of reasons reduces visual quality significantly. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of topical and subconjunctival aflibercept in experimental corneal neovascularization and to examine possible effects of corneal neovascularization on the levels of adropin that are thought to play a role in angiogenesis-related events. In the study, 42 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups. No operations or treatments were applied for the first group. In all other groups, cornea center was cauterized by chemical cauterization. Second group wasn't treated. We used topical 2x1 saline drop in the third group, subconjunctival 0.08 ml SF in the fourth group, topical 25 mg / ml aflibercept 2x1 drops in the fifth group topical 25 mg / ml aflibercept 2x1 drops, and 25 mg / ml subconjunctival aflibercept in the sixth group. The percentage of corneal surface covered with new vessels was measured and compared. On the 10th day, after the decapitation and enucleation all corneas divided into four equal parts and in one part corneal VEGF, VEGFR-2, adropine levels were assessed by ELISA method and Total Antioxidant Level (TAS) and Total Oxidant Level (TOS) values were eveluated. Other components were histochemically stained with TUNEL staining, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) and adropinin immunostaining. As a result, the percentage of neovascular corneal area was significantly lower in treatment groups than vascularization group (p<0.05). TUNEL positivity, VEGF, VEGFR-2, and adropin histocorrelation were decreased (P <0.05) in group 5 and group 6 compared to group 2. VEGF ELISA levels and apoptotic index were found to be significantly lower in the group 5 and group 6 groups than in the vascularization group (p <0.05). Aflibercept was found to be effective in both neovascularization treatment of corneal neovascularization, but it was observed that subconjunctival administration was more effective in clinical practice. Key words: corneal neovascularization, adropin, aflibercept.