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 heparin-taurocholate 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 LHT7 group) 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 post-injury than the levels observed at 1wk (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Topically-administered LHT7 inhibited CoNV without complication after chemical cauterization in the rat.