Wound Healing and Mucin Gene Expression of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells Treated with Deproteinized Extract of Calf Blood

Purpose: The function of Solcoseryl in the corneal epithelium has not been fully examined. Here, we investigated the roles of Solcoseryl in the regulation of gene expression and corneal epithelial cell (CEC) activity. Materials and Methods: The effect of Solcoseryl on CEC activity was analyzed through cell migration, adhesion, proliferation, and wound healing assays. Analysis of gene expression was conducted via western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The results demonstrated that Solcoseryl increased the adhesion, migration, proliferation, and wound healing of CECs. Analysis of gene expression showed that Solcoseryl-stimulated CECs exhibited increased expression of mucin family genes, such as MUC1, -5AC, -7, and -16. Solcoseryl also increased the activities of the intracellular signaling molecules AKT, FAK, ERK, and Src in CECs. Using pharmacologic inhibitors of ERK and AKT, we showed that the expression of mucin genes by Solcoseryl is mediated by the activation of ERK and AKT signaling. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that Solcoseryl may contribute to the wound healing of CECs by enhancing their migration, adhesion, and proliferation. Additionally, our results suggest that Solcoseryl has a protective effect on ocular surfaces due to its induction of the expression of mucin genes in CECs. These findings suggest that Solcoseryl is a useful therapeutic target for patients with corneal wounds.