The Effect of Topical and Subconjunctival Coenzyme Q10 on Wound Healing Modulation in an Experimental Trabeculectomy Model

Purpose: To investigate the wound healing effect of topical and subconjunctival Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) in an experimental trabeculectomy model, and to compare the outcomes with mitomycin C and bevacizumab. Materials and Methods: Thirty eyes of 27 Wistar Albino rats were included. Group 1 was the control group and the other four groups were mitomycin C (group 2), topical CoQ (group 3), subconjunctival CoQ (group 4), and bevacizumab (group 5). Conjunctival and scleral incisions were made to mimic the trabeculectomy wound. After the rats were sacrificed, histological sections were examined for vasculogenesis, VEGF and TGF-β1 positivity. Results: The mean vascularization score was lowest in groups 3 and 4 (0.5±0.55). It was followed by group 2 (1.0± 0.89), group 5 (1.5±1.0), and control group (2.5±0.55). The eyes in group 2, 3 and 4 showed significantly less vascularization than the control group (p = 0.015, p <0.01, p <0.01). VEGF and TGF-β1 positivity scores were lowest in groups 3 and 4 (1.48±0.45). This was followed by group 2 (2.0±0.34), group 5 (3.5±0.3), and control group (3.94±0.5). TGF-β1 and VEGF positive cells were significantly lower in groups 2, 3 and 4 than group 1 (p <0.01). TGF-β1 and VEGF positivity in groups 3 and 4 were significantly lower than the group 2 (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The application of topical and subconjunctival CoQ resulted in inhibition of vasculogenesis and reduction of TGF-β1 and VEGF-positive cells in trabeculectomy wound healing model. Topical or subconjunctival application of CoQ in trabeculectomy surgery may provide positive effects on wound healing..