Abstract:Objective To investigate the efficacy of the topical application of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) and sodium hyaluronate mixture in a rabbit model of experimental dry eye (EDE). Methods Fifteen healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups with 3 rabbits in each group, i.e. normal group (A), non-treatment group (B), sodium hyaluronate therapy group (C), omega-3 EFAs therapy group (D), and mixed sodium hyaluronate and omega-3 EFAs therapy group (E). The rabbits in the groups B, C, D and E had bilateral testis and epididym resected. After successful building of xerophthalmia model, the groups C, D and E were treated with sodium hyaluronate, omega 3 EFAs and combined sodium hyaluronate and omega 3 EFAs in two eyes, 10 times a day for a month. All the experimental rabbits received SchirmerⅠ test, the breakup time of tear film and corneal fluorescein staining scores were determined. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in lacrimal tissue was detected by Western blot. Results LSD-t test showed the rabbits in the group E showed a significant improvement in lacrimal secretion and tear film stability compared with other groups, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in the TNF-α level was observed in the group E, the differences were statistically significant from other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions Topical application of mixed eye drops containing sodium hyaluronate and omega 3 EFAs could improve the ocular surface signs and decrease the expression of TNF-α in lacrimal gland of xerophthalmia model of castrated male rabbits.
