Further evaluation of the effectiveness and superiority of hyaluronic acid combined preparations (trehalose, dexpanthenol and coenzyme Q10 & vitamin E) in experimental alkali model

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to undertake a more comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and comparative advantage of hyaluronic acid (HA) combined preparations in an experimental alkali model. Method: In the present study, experimental chemical burns were induced in the right eyes of 22 New Zealand rabbits. The eyes were then divided into four groups for subsequent analysis: Trehalose + HA (Group T, n = 6); dexpanthenol + HA (Group P, n = 6); coenzyme Q10+vitamin E + HA (Group V, n = 6); and one control group (CG, n = 4). Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the size of the epithelial defect area between the groups on days 1, 3, and 5. However, a marked difference in the healing of epithelial defects was observed. Histologic analysis revealed optimal healing in terms of stromal edema, epithelial disruption, and lymphatic infiltration in group P. Alpha SMA (alpha smooth actin)-positive areas was higher in groups P and V. Electron microscopic examination revealed enhanced anterior surface epithelial formation and collagen arrangement in the treatment groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: The findings of the present study are consistent with those of other studies in the literature, which have shown the superiority of trehalose, dexpanthenol, and coenzyme Q10 to the control group. Furthermore, histologic and immunohistochemical evaluations revealed that the P and V groups exhibited superior healing signs in comparison to the T group. Notably, our study is the first to comparatively analyze artificial tears with trehalose, dexpanthenol, and coenzyme Q10 in terms of epithelial defect healing, incorporating electron microscopic examination.