The novel use of decorin in prevention of the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)

Background The cytokine transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) is a pivotal contributor to tissue fibrosis and a key cytokine in the pathogenesis of cellular transdifferentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell adhesion. This study evaluates the effect of decorin, a naturally occurring TGF-ß inhibitor, in an experimental rabbit model for proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods Traumatic PVR was induced in 50 rabbits divided into ten groups ( n = 5). One group (GI) reveals a control with no treatment after trauma. Groups (GII–GIV) consisted of subgroups receiving phacovitrectomy at three different time points; (a) at the time of trauma, (b) 1 week following trauma, and (c) 2 weeks following trauma. GIII and GIV received 100 μg or 200 μg decorin, respectively. PVR severity was scored from 0 to 4. The amount of fibrosis was quantified using JMicroVision© software. Results The control group GI developed severe PVR with tractional retinal detachment (TRD); (PVR score ≥2) in four rabbits out of five. Vitrectomy had a positive effect ( p