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Chitosan and Thiolated Chitosan: Novel Therapeutic Approach for Preventing Corneal Haze After Chemical Injuries Publisher Pubmed



Zahirjouzdani F1, 2 ; Mahbod M3 ; Soleimani M4 ; Vakhshiteh F2 ; Arefian E3 ; Shahosseini S4 ; Dinarvand R1, 2 ; Atyabi F1, 2
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14174, Iran
  2. 2. Nanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Noor Ophthalmology Research Center, Noor Eye hospital, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Bonyakhteh Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran, Iran

Source: Carbohydrate Polymers Published:2018


Abstract

Corneal haze, commonly caused by deep physical and chemical injuries, can greatly impair vision. Growth factors facilitate fibroblast proliferation and differentiation, which leads to haze intensity. In this study, the potential effect of chitosan (CS) and thiolated-chitosan (TCS) nanoparticles and solutions on inhibition of fibroblast proliferation, fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation, neovascularization, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and pro-fibrotic cytokine expression was examined. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1) was induced by interleukin-6 (IL6) in human corneal fibroblasts and expression levels of TGFβ1, Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), α-smooth muscle actins (α-SMA), collagen type I (Col I), fibronectin (Fn) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were quantified using qRT-PCR. To assess wound-healing capacity, TCS-treated mice were examined for α-SMA positive cells, collagen deposition, inflammatory cells and neovascularization through pathological immunohistochemistry. The results revealed that CS and TCS could down-regulate the expression levels of TGFβ1 and PDGF comparable to that of TGFβ1 knockdown experiment. However, down-regulation of TGFβ1 was not regulated through miR29b induction. Neovascularization along with α-SMA and ECM deposition were significantly diminished. According to these findings, CS and TCS can be considered as potential anti-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Furthermore, TCS, thiolated derivative of CS, will increase mucoadhesion of the polymer at the corneal surface which makes the polymer efficient and non-toxic therapeutic approach for corneal injuries. © 2017