Effects of epidermal growth factor in artificial tear gel carriare on corneal wounded oxidative situation

Purpose: To investigate the effect of artificial tear solution and epidermal growth factor (EGF) treatment on ascorbic acid (AA), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels of full-thickness corneal wounds. Methods: The effect of EGF on AA, MDA and GSH levels of corneal wound tissue was determined in rabbits' full-thickness corneal wounds on the 7th day of operation. There were three groups; 1. Untreated control group 2. Artificial tear (AT) treated control group 3. EGF + AT treated experimental group Each group had 10 subjects. (n=10) Corneal wounded eyes were topically treated with 5u.l AT or 5 ml EGF in AT (1mg/L EGF in artificial tear preparation which contains 0,3% carbopol 940) twice a day for 6 days after operation. Statistical analysis was carried out with the Anova and MannWhitney U test using the Statview program. Results: AA levels of wound tissues, increased significantly with artificial tear and AT+EGF treatment (p<0,05). MDA level of AT+EGF treated group was significantly decreased (p <0,05). Glutathione levels were not changed. Conclusion: There may be a relation between EGF treatment in artificial tear and oxidant status of corneal wound tissues.