Therapeutic role of autologus platelet-rich plasma in induced corneal ulcer: a histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical study in albino rat model

Background: Corneal ulcer is a common ophthalmologic emergency that can lead to several complications like corneal scarring and even blindness in cases that are resistant to treatment. It is characterized as epithelial discontinuity of the cornea, whether or not the stromal layer is involved. Material and Procedures: Forty male albino rats were allocated into three sets for this study: Group I: the normal control group; 15 rats that received no manipulation or drugs. Group II: the corneal ulcer group, 15 rats, which received general anesthesia and corneal ulcer induction procedure using NaOH solution application was performed for 30 sec, and Group III, 10 rats, was the PRP-treated group; that received concomitant sub-conjuctival injection of PRP right after NaOH application. At three different time points; days 0, 2, and 7, corneae were removed from each group and submitted to histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical tests, besides that it has proved to maintain corneal integrity in corneal alkali burn induced in adult male albino rats. Results: PRP-treated corneas elicited improved epithelial thickness, and stromal integrity, whereas, corneas removed from the ulcer group showed significant epithelial loss and collagen disruption, as well as increased tissue levels of growth factors and metallo-proteinases. PRP-treated corneas also elaborated increased epithelial thickness and increased tissue levels of cytokines, oxidative stress markers (such as MDA and ROS), improved apoptic and inflammatory markers, also it led to to up-regulation of PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling pathway. Conclusion: We have concluded that autologus PRP treatment can be considered a promising biological alternative in corneal ulcer disease. It is cheap, convenient and non-immunogenic.