Healing the Cornea with Lipids

Science Daily revealed research on a specific type of lipid that aids the healing of corneal injuries on top of also naturally helping skin injuries. The specific species of lipid is called DOPG, or dioleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol. The researchers experimented with this lipid on growing human cornea cells and on mice in a laboratory. They saw an increase in the signaling pathway that produces the parent phosphatidylglycerol, which opens the possibility of using DOPG in eye drops or using it after eye surgeries. Watsky explains that a corneal scratch allows outside substances to get inside the eye. If someone's body-healing processes are compromised, it can cause permanent scarring and potential vision loss.  They found that DOPG stimulated the healing of a scratched corneal cell layer by about 40%, while a mixture of PGs derived from eggs actually inhibited healing by about 30%. In mice with an impaired ability to heal, injuries were about 50% smaller 28 hours after DOPG treatment, and healing was significantly enhanced in healthy mice, as well. This study, along with a grant from the National Institutes of Health opens up a gateway for future research on PG and DOPG and treating corneal injuries or surgeries.

For more information, visit: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200326080840.htm