Regression of corneal neovascularization: Adiponectin versus bevacizumab eye drops.

PURPOSE: Comparing the effect of adiponectin versus bevacizumab in decreasing corneal neovascularization.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 30 eyes of 30 New Zealand Albino male rabbits. Corneal neovascularization was induced by a single 7-0 silk suture 2 mm long and 1 mm in front of the limbus for 2 weeks. Rabbits were randomly divided into three groups of adiponectin (20 µg/mL), bevacizumab (5 mg/mL) and artificial tears. The treatments continued up to 14 days.

RESULTS

At the end of 14 days, the average length of vessels in rabbits treated with adiponectin, bevacizumab and control groups decreased from 2.12 ± 0.32 mm to 0.89 ± 0.46 mm (57.68% ± 19.98%) (P < 0.001), 2.30 ± 0.41 mm to 1.30 ± 0.58 mm (42.49% ± 27.17%) (P = 0.048) and from 2.12 ± 0.44 mm to 1.81 ± 0.42 mm (14.81% ± 5.64%) (P = 0.112), respectively. The length of vessels decreased 57.68% ± 19.98% and 42.49% ± 27.17% in adiponectin versus bevacizumab groups, respectively (P = 0.527). The average surface area of vessels in rabbits treated with adiponectin, bevacizumab and control groups reduced from 5.02 ± 1.50 mm2 to 1.40 ± 0.75 mm2 (70.64% ± 17.76%) (P < 0.001) 0.34 ± 1.1 mm2 to 2.80 ± 1.04 mm2 (48.24% ± 19.23%) (P = 0.039) and 5.12 ± 2.92 mm2 to 4.4 ± 2.55 mm2 (14.68% ± 4.19%) (P = 0.117). Mean surface area of vascularization decreased 70.64% ± 17.76% and 48.24% ± 19.23% in adiponectin versus bevacizumab, respectively (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that topical adiponectin can decrease recent corneal neovascularization.