The effectiveness of platelet rich fibrin (PRF) graft to expression of IL-1 and TNF-α in cornea post NaOH exposure: an experimental study

Background: Alkaline trauma of cornea often causes irreversible vision loss, even though it is quickly treated. The effectiveness of anti-inflammatory therapy as a main treatment is still limited clinically, as well as has dangerous side effects. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is quite safe and effective in the treatment of descemetocele and also important in wound healing process. PRF membrane also provides a mechanical function as a framework for cell proliferation, differentiation and migration which is important for tissue regeneration. This study aimed to analyse the effectiveness of PRF grafts on expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in cornea post NaOH exposure. Methods: An experimental study was conducted on Oryctolagus cuniculus which was exposed to 1 N NAOH for 30 seconds. The study subjects were 14 rabbits consisting of 7 PRF graft rabbits and 7 control rabbits. The rabbit’s right eye was then irrigated, dripped with 1% levofloxacin 1 drop and a PRF graft was placed. The effectiveness of PRF graft was analysed by percentage of expression of IL-1 and TNF-α in cornea post NaOH exposure Results: No significant differences were found in expression of IL-1 (p>0.05) and expression of TNF-α (p>0.05) in cornea post NaOH exposure. There was a decrease in the expression of IL-1 between control and PRF graft groups. The combination of the mechanical and chemotactic functions of PRF membranes makes them suitable as an autologous biomaterial for reconstruction, repair, and maintenance of ocular surfaces. Conclusion: PRF plays a significant role in wound healing and preventing excessive fibrosis, therefore it has the enormous potential to reduce the expression of IL-1 in corneal alkaline damage.