Comparision of topical human peripheral blood serum, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord serumu and human breast milk theraphy for corneal epithelial wound healing

This study aims to compare the effects of human blood serum, umbilical cord serum, amniotic fluid and human breast milk on corneal epithelial wound healing. These are all biological agents similar to natural tears that have antimicrobial properties, include numerous growth factors and cytokines. Thirty-six female Bal-b/C mice were included in our study. After topical anesthesia was provided under sedation, a central corneal epithelial defect was created using a 2 mm trephine. Six groups were formed by a random pick-up. Topical human peripheral blood serum 4 × 1 was applied to Group A, topical umbilical cord serum 4 × 1 to Group B, topical amniotic fluid 4 × 1 to Group C, topical human breast milk 4 × 1 to Group D and preservative-free artificial tears 4 × 1 to Group E. Group F was evaluated as control. Mice corneas were evaluated by slit-lamp biomicroscopy and corneal photograhs were taken with a digital camera on the twelfth hour and on days 1, 2, and 3. Mice were sacrificed on the third day. Histopathological examinations were performed as well. Re-epithelization of Group D was significantly faster than control (p≤0,050). Comparison of re-epithelization rate on the twelfth hour showed that, amniotic fluid provided faster healing than blood-derived topical theraphy. However, no stastistically significant differences in healing rates were observed between groups. Histopathological examination revelead that Group D corneas were significantly similar to healthy, intact cornea. There is no ideal therapeutic agent for ocular surface diseases that can act like natural tears. The rich content of human breast milk makes it a good alternative to epithelial healers among other biological agents.