Attenuation of corneal neovascularization by topical low-molecular-weight heparin-taurocholate 7 without bleeding complication

AIM:To investigate the antiangiogenic effects and safety of topically administered low-molecular-weight heparintaurocholate 7(LHT7) on corneal neovascularization(CoNV).METHODS:Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into four groups of six rats each.The central corneas were cauterized using a silver/potassium nitrate solution.From 2d after cauterization,12.5 mg/mL(low LHT7 group) or 25 mg/mL(high LHT7group) LHT7 was topically administered three times daily;12.5 mg/mL bevacizumab was topically administered as positive control(bevacizumab) group,with normal saline(NS) administered as negative control(NS group).The corneas were digitally photographed to calculate the CoNV percentage from the neovascularized corneal area at 1 and 2wk.RESULTS:The 4 study groups did not have different CoNV percentages at 1wk after injury(P>0.05).However,the low LHT,high LHT,and bevacizumab groups had significantly lower CoNV percentages than the NS group at 2wk(all P<0.05).No significant differences in CoNV percentage were found among the low LHT,high LHT,and bevacizumab groups(all P>0.05).All groups except the NS group had lower CoNV percentages at 2wk postinjury than the levels observed at 1wk(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Topically-administered LHT7 inhibited CoNV without complication after chemical cauterization in the rat.