DR. ANUSHREE BHATKAL

Prof.ROHIT SHETTY, Dr.POOJA KHAMAR

Abstract

Purpose:To assess effect of Batimastat(BST) &Trehalose(TRE) in reversing the levels of MMP9 &Lysyl Oxidase (LOX) relevant to Keratoconus (KC)Methods:Donor SMILE lenticules & primary fibroblasts from KC patients were treated with TRE&BST and assessed for expression of LOX,MMP9,Collagen as well as inflammatory signalling. Mouse corneas underwent repeated eye rubbing(ER) & inflammatory challenge(IC) followed by daily TRE & BST eyedrops and measurement of corneal gene expression 7 days post treatment.Results:TRE&BST treatment reduced MMP9 levels which increased LOX &Collagen expression in lenticules and corneal cells under Inflammatory stress. Mouse corneas show reduced LOX & increased MMP9 upon ER+IC which was reversed by the treatment. Conclusion:Increased inflammation drives loss of LOX & collagen in cornea. TRE&BST in combination reverses this effect in cell and animal models. Therefore, TRE&BST treatment has potential for halting the progression of or reversing the pathology in KC.

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