SPECIFIC FEATURES OF REDOX SYSTEM ACTIVITY IN ALKALINE CHEMICAL CORNEAL BURN

Abstract

Introduction. One of the multicomponent mechanisms of eye tissue damage, which involves the activation of sanogenesis and protective mechanisms, is the activation of the redox system against the background of suppressed antioxidant defense. This imbalance may contribute to the development of complications and lead to blindness. The Aim of the Study – to establish the dynamics of changes in the activity of free radical processes and the state of the antioxidant system in animals with chemically induced alkaline corneal burns. Research Methods. The experimental study include two groups of white rabbits. Control group – 10 intact animals and an experimental group – 10 animals with chemically induced corneal burns. Sampling was performed on the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 21st days, according to the stages of the burn process in the corneal tissue. Indicators of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system activity in blood were determined by standard methods. Results and Discussion. The activation of the redox system becomes uncontrolled in experimental alkaline burn damage of cornea. It leads to the rising of partially oxidized metabolic products in the form of free radicals, which damage eye tissue. The excessive accumulation of highly active metabolites negatively affects plasmatic and subcellular membranes, inhibiting the regeneration processes in eye tissue. The dynamics of changes in antioxidant defense indicators occur in phases and do not coincide with the periods of activation of free radical oxidation. It extends the severity of the pathological process, decreases the speed and quality of corneal regeneration, and leads to the development of destructive changes in the eye tissue. Conclusions. Experimental alkaline corneal burns lead to a significant increase in free radical oxidation activity in the early stages of burn disease (primary necrosis, acute and ulcerative corneal damage). Moreover, the dynamics of the activation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense do not coincide with the activity of the redox system, which worse the severity of the pathological process in the eye.