Effects of ultra high molecular weight poly-gamma glutamic acid from Bacillus subtilis (chungkookjang) on corneal wound healing = 폴리감마글루탐산의 안구건조 치료 효능 연구

Abstract

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a natural edible polypeptide in which glutamate is polymerized via γ-amide linkages. First, we assessed the eye irritancy potential of γ-PGA in rabbits. Additionally, we studied the effects of γ-PGA on corneal wound healing, due to the anti-inflammatory properties and water retaining abilities of γ-PGA. In this study, the effects of γ-PGA on corneal wound healing after an alkali burn were evaluated. Thirty eyes wounded by alkali burning in 30 white rabbits were divided into three groups: group A was treated with 0.1% 5,000 kDa γ-PGA for 2 days; group B was treated with 0.1% hyaluronic acid; and group C was not treated, as a control. The area of corneal epithelial defect was examined at 12, 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 h after corneal alkali wounding to determine initial wound healing. We found that γ-PGA promoted corneal wound healing, compared with controls, and showed similar effects to hyaluronic acid. These results indicate that γ-PGA stimulates corneal wound healing by an anti-inflammatory effect and enhancing cell migration and cell proliferation. γ-PGA is a promising biomaterial that may be a substitute for hyaluronic acid in corneal wound healing treatment.