Review
Research progress of matrix regenerating agents in promoting corneal epithelial wound healing
Li Pengwei, Guo Jianqiang, Liu Jiangchuan, Mu Yalin
Published 2021-08-22
Cite as Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2021, 45(4): 322-325. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1673-5803.2021.04.010
Abstract
Corneal epithelial defects usually heal within 48 hours. However, It is difficult to cure persistent corneal epithelial defect and chronic corneal ulcer with traditional therapy. The healing of corneal epithelium depends largely on the remodeling of extracellular matrix(ECM). Heparin sulfate (HS) is an important component of the ECM. It can specifically bind to matrix proteins, growth factors and cytokines, thus protecting them from proteolysis and facilitating tissue healing. In recent years, matrix regenerating agents (RGTA) consisting of heparan sulfate mimetic polymers has been gradually applied on clinical practice to promote corneal epithelial wound healing. RGTA is a pure bioengineering polymer that can completely resist the degradation of heparanase. It can replace the enzymatically hydrolyzed HS in damaged tissues, so as to reconstruct the stable environment in ECM. Clinical studies show that RGTA can effectively treat refractory corneal ulcer and is a promising new method.(Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2021, 45: 322-325)
Key words:
heparin sulfate; extracellular matrix; matrix regenerating agents; persistent corneal epithelial defect; corneal ulcer; corneal wound healing
Contributor Information
Li Pengwei
Department of Ophthalmology, Huanghe Sanmenxia Hospital, Sanmexia 472000, Henan, China
Guo Jianqiang
the First Hospital of Xi’an, Shanxi Institute of Ophthalmology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xi’an 710002, China
Liu Jiangchuan
Department of Ophthalmology, Huanghe Sanmenxia Hospital, Sanmexia 472000, Henan, China
Mu Yalin
Department of Ophthalmology, Huanghe Sanmenxia Hospital, Sanmexia 472000, Henan, China