Blocked drainage of eye fluid, or aqueous humor (AH) causes increased internal eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), which leads to:

• Inflammation
• Fibrosis (excessive fibrous tissue deposits)
• Optic nerve damage
• Blindness

In a new study published in NPJ Regenerative Medicine, scientists at the University of Birmingham in the U.K. tested the effectiveness of a new low molecular weight dextran sulfate, called ILB®, to reduce inflammation and facilitate tissue remodeling in both rodent and human disease models.

The problem

In primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), fibrous deposits made up of glycoproteins, such as collagen and fibronectin, build up in the trabecular meshwork, which is the eye’s natural drainage structure. The build-up blocks the outflow of AH, whose role is to nourish and cleanse the eye.

Previous experimental anti-fibrotic treatments have had limited success outside of pre-clinical models. Anti-inflammatories do not help prevent fibrosis, and anti-fibrotic treatments have shown limited benefits in clinical application. 

What they did

ILB had already been assessed for safety in healthy human volunteers. The new research aimed to evaluate the effects of subcutaneous injections of ILB on protein biomarkers for inflammation, cell growth, and fibrosis. 

The two-part study involved 12 primary assays composed of both human and cultured cells and the eyes of 12 rats. In the rodent study, after raised IOP was induced, the rats were randomly assigned to receive either treatment with ILB or a saline solution. 

What they found

Results of the studies showed that ILB:

• Relieved inflammation and fibrosis
• Rapidly normalized IOP
• Reduced fibronectin levels in the cultured human trabecular meshwork cells
• Resolved inflammatory scarring in the rodent glaucoma model
• Protected retinal cells from progressive damage and death

What it means 

This study is the first to demonstrate that ILB injections can prevent further vision loss in POAG by addressing its underlying causes. It also indicates that ILB® has the potential to effectively treat not only primary open-angle glaucoma but other acute and chronic fibroproliferative conditions, as well.

“We are truly excited by these results,” wrote Drs. Lisa Hill and Hannah Botfield, from the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, in their report. “[They] show a way forward for a glaucoma treatment that can reverse the fibrotic process that causes the disease.”

*University of Birmingham. (2021, Jan. 7). Research Paves the Way for New Anti-Fibrotic Therapy for Glaucoma. Medical Xpress. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-01-paves-anti-fibrotic-therapy-glaucoma.html

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