The role of Gelam honey in accelerating reepithelialization of ex vivo corneal abrasion model

Muhammad Fairuz Azmi; Norzana Abd Ghafar; Jemaima Che Hamzah; Kien Hui Chua; Sook Luan Ng

doi:10.1111/jfbc.13645

The role of Gelam honey in accelerating reepithelialization of ex vivo corneal abrasion model

J Food Biochem. 2021 Apr;45(4):e13645. doi: 10.1111/jfbc.13645. Epub 2021 Feb 11.

Authors

Muhammad Fairuz Azmi^{1

2}, Norzana Abd Ghafar¹, Jemaima Che Hamzah³, Kien Hui Chua⁴, Sook Luan Ng⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
² Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia.
³ Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
⁴ Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
⁵ Craniofacial Diagnostic and Bioscience Centre, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cawangan Kampus Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

PMID: 33569805
DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13645

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the role of Gelam honey (GH) in accelerating reepithelialization of corneal abrasion. Corneal epithelial cells (CEC) isolated from New Zealand white rabbit corneas, were cultured and circular-shaped wounds were created onto them, representing the corneal abrasion model. These wounds were treated with basal (BM) and cornea media (CM) supplemented with GH. The percentage of wound closure was measured on day 0, 3, and 5. Expressions of cytokeratin 3 (CK3), cluster of differentiation 44 (CD 44), and connexin 43 (Cx43) were analyzed via qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. The results showed CEC cultured in GH-enriched media reepithelialized faster compared to control. Corneal abrasion treated with CM supplemented with GH closed completely on day 5. CK3, CD44, and Cx43 expressions correspond to the stages of reepithelialization. In conclusion, GH promotes the healing of the ex vivo corneal abrasion model. Further explorations of its potential as adjuvant therapy in treating corneal injuries are needed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Honey has been reported to have many medicinal properties including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and the ability to promote skin wound healing. However, the effects of honey on corneal wound healing have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to determine the effects of Gelam honey (GH), well-known local honey obtained from the beehive of Gelam trees (Melaleuca spp.), on the ex vivo corneal abrasion model via cell migration study and analysis of genes and proteins during corneal epithelial wound healing. GH has proven to have accelerated effects on the corneal epithelial cell migration during the closure of the ex vivo corneal abrasion wound model. The expressions of the genes and proteins of the corneal epithelial wound healing markers were in accordance with the stages of healing. Therefore, GH has the potential to be developed as adjuvant therapy in the form of GH-based eye drop in treating corneal injuries.

Keywords: Gelam honey; abrasion; corneal epithelium; healing.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Cell Movement
Cornea
Corneal Injuries* / drug therapy
Honey*
Rabbits
Wound Healing