Bevacizumab accelerates corneal wound healing by inhibiting TGF-β2 expression in alkali-burned mouse cornea

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of subconjunctival injections of bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody, on processes involved in corneal wound healing after alkali burn injury. Mice were divided into three groups: Group 1 was the saline-treated control, group 2 received subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab 1hr after injury and group 3 received bevacizumab 1 hr and 4 days after injury. Cornea neovascularization and opacity were observed using a slit lamp microscope. Corneal repair was assessed through histological analysis and immunostaining for CD31, α-SMA, collagen I, and TGF-β2 7 days post-injury. In group 3, injection of bevacizumab significantly lowered neovascularization and improved corneal transparency. Immunostaining analysis demonstrated a reduction in CD31, α-SMA and TGF-β2 levels in stroma compared to group 1. These results indicate that bevacizumab may be useful in reducing neovascularization and improving corneal transparency following corneal alkali burn injury by accelerating regeneration of the basement membrane.