Open clinical study of eyedrops containing tetrapeptides derived from substance P and IGF-1 for treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects associated with neurotrophic keratopathy
- Naoyuki Yamada (n.yamada{at}po.cc.yamaguchi-u.ac.jp),
- Rie Matsuda,
- Naoyuki Morishige,
- Ryoji Yanai,
- Tai-ichiro Chikama,
- Teruo Nishida,
- Tadashi Ishimitsu,
- Akira Kamiya
- Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine,, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine,, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine,, Japan
- Department of Ocular Pathophysiology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine,, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Japan
- Published Online First 29 May 2008
Abstract
Background/Aims: Loss of corneal sensation results in the development of persistent corneal epithelial defects. The combination of a substance P-derived peptide (FGLM-amide) and an insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-derived peptide (SSSR) stimulates rabbit corneal epithelial migration in vitro and rabbit corneal epithelial wound closure in vivo. The clinical efficacy of eyedrops containing FGLM-amide and SSSR for the treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects in individuals with neurotrophic keratopathy was examined in a prospective open study.
Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients (26 eyes) with persistent corneal epithelial defects associated with neurotrophic keratopathy were treated by administration of eyedrops containing FGLM-amide and SSSR. The course of epithelial healing was monitored by slitlamp examination.
Results: Epithelial defects resurfaced completely in 19 of the 26 eyes (73%) within 4 weeks after treatment initiation. Complete resurfacing of epithelial defects was apparent in 18 of 22 (82%) or in 1 of 4 (25%) eyes without or with limbal stem cell deficiency, respectively. No adverse effects of treatment were observed in any subject.
Conclusion: Eyedrops containing FGLM-amide and SSSR induced the rapid resurfacing of persistent epithelial defects in stem cell-positive individuals with neurotrophic keratopathy.
