GlicoPro, Novel Standardized and Sterile Snail Mucus Extract for Multi-Modulative Ocular Formulations: New Perspective in Dry Eye Disease Management
Rita Mencucci,
Giovanni Strazzabosco,
Virginia Cristofori,
Andrea Alogna,
Daria Bortolotti,
Roberta Gafà,
Michela Cennamo,
Eleonora Favuzza,
Claudio Trapella,
Valentina Gentili,
Roberta Rizzo
Affiliations
Rita Mencucci
Eye Clinic, Careggi Hospital, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Giovanni Strazzabosco
Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Chemical, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Virginia Cristofori
Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Chemical, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Andrea Alogna
Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Chemical, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Daria Bortolotti
Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Chemical, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Roberta Gafà
Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Michela Cennamo
Eye Clinic, Careggi Hospital, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Eleonora Favuzza
Eye Clinic, Careggi Hospital, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Claudio Trapella
Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Chemical, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Valentina Gentili
Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Chemical, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Roberta Rizzo
Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Chemical, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
This study aimed to evaluate the mucoadhesive and regenerative properties of a novel lubricating multimolecular ophthalmic solution (GlicoPro®) extracted from snail mucus and its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic role in the management of dry eye disease (DED). GlicoPro bio-adhesive efficacy was assessed using a lectin-based assay, and its regenerative properties were studied in a human corneal epithelial cell line. In vitro DED was induced in human corneal tissues; the histology and mRNA expression of selected genes of inflammatory and corneal damage biomarkers were analyzed in DED tissues treated with GlicoPro. A higher percentage of bio-adhesivity was observed in corneal cells treated with GlicoPro than with sodium hyaluronate-based compounds. In the scratch test GlicoPro improved in vitro corneal wound healing. Histo-morphological analysis revealed restoration of cellular organization of the corneal epithelium, microvilli, and mucin network in DED corneal tissues treated with GlicoPro. A significant reduction in inflammatory and ocular damage biomarkers was observed. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified an endogenous opioid, opiorphin, in the peptide fraction of GlicoPro. In conclusion, GlicoPro induced regeneration and bio-adhesivity in corneal cells; moreover, considering its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, this novel ophthalmic lubricating solution may be an innovative approach for the management of DED.
