Diospyros kaki Extract Inhibits Alkali Burn-Induced Corneal Neovascularization

J Med Food. 2016 Jan;19(1):106-9. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2014.3404. Epub 2015 Sep 8.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethanol extract of Diospyros kaki (EEDK) leaves on corneal neovascularization (CoNV) in rats. One week after the alkali burns in the corneas, the CoNV area coverage in the CoNV-positive control group, 100 mg/kg EEDK group, and 200 mg/kg EEDK group was 43.3% ± 5.5%, 337.7% ± 2.5%, and 27.2% ± 4.3%, respectively. The areas of CoNV in the EEDK-treated groups were significantly different from those of the CoNV group. EEDK significantly attenuated the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, interleukin-6, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) protein levels. Orally administrated D. kaki inhibited CoNV development in rats.

Keywords: Diospyros kaki; alkali burn; angiogenic factors; corneal neovascularization; eye diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkalies / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Burns, Chemical / complications*
  • Corneal Neovascularization / drug therapy*
  • Corneal Neovascularization / etiology
  • Corneal Neovascularization / genetics
  • Corneal Neovascularization / metabolism
  • Diospyros / chemistry*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / genetics
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism
  • Male
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / genetics
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / metabolism
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage*
  • Rats
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Alkalies
  • Interleukin-6
  • Plant Extracts
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2