The effect of topical application of lactoferrin solution on cytokine levels and oxidative stress indicators in corneal alkaline burns

Purpose. To study the features of the immunological and free radical status of the cornea in its alkaline burn and the possibility of its correction with lactoferrin. Material and methods. The experimental work was performed on 45 male rabbits of the Soviet Chinchilla breed. The animals were divided into 3 series: norm, modeling of alkaline burn and instillation of saline solution, modeling of alkaline burn and instillation of lactoferrin (solution 2.5 mg/ml 1 drop 3 times a day). The experimental model of alkaline corneal burn was reproduced using the Obenberger method in modification. The animals were removed from the experiment through 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after the simulation of the burn. There were 3 rabbits (6 eyes) for each time point. At each follow-up period, the free radical and immunological status was determined in the corneal homogenate. Results. Modeling of alkaline burn caused a typical clinical picture of this pathology, which was accompanied by activation of free radical processes (increased levels of TBK-reactive products, carbonyl derivatives of proteins, decreased activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and the development of an inflammatory reaction (increased concentrations of TNF-1α, IL-14, IL-10, TGF-1β). The use of a human lactoferrin solution of 2.5 mg/ml accelerated the healing of the rabbit cornea defect and prevented the development of complications (prevented the development of perforations). This effect was due to an antioxidant effect (a decrease in the level of TBK-reactive products, carbonyl derivatives of proteins, an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes) activity and effect on cytokine balance. Thus, lactoferrin increased the level of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-1α and did not have the same effect on the content of anti-inflammatory cytokines (increased IL-10, decreased IL-4, acting in different directions on TGF-1β). Conclusion. Topical application of 2.5 mg/ml of lactoferrin solution for alkaline corneal burn has a pronounced therapeutic effect due to its antioxidant activity and effect on the balance of cytokines. Key words: corneal alkaline burn, lactoferrin, free radical and immunological status of the cornea