Nitrogen mustards ocular injury

A combination of topically applied Zn/DFO and dexamethasone, by virtue of their additive inhibitory effects on free radical formation and inflammation, reduced nitrogen mustard-induced injury to ocular anterior segment stmctures. Furthermore, the combination treatment of Zn/DFO and dexamethasone resulted in a speedier comeal reepithelization, less-severe comeal neovascularization, and the intraocular pressure was not as severely elevated as in the saline or the Zn/DFO- or dexamethasone-alone groups (Morad et al., 2005). 

Recognizing the fact that ROS play a role in the pathogenesis of mustard-induced ocular injuries, compounds that inhibit the formation of ROS or prevent their toxic effects would be beneficial in the treatment of mustard-induced ocular injuries. The topical application of low concentrations of Zn/DFO or Ga/DFO after comeal exposure to nitrogen mustards markedly reduced conjunctival, comeal, iris, and anterior chamber injury. In the cornea, the healing of epithehal erosions was faster, the long-term opacification was reduced, and the levels of neovascularization were lowered. In the anterior chamber, decreased inflammation and better maintenance of intraocular pressure were achieved. Cataractous changes were also notably milder (Banin et al., 2003). 

Banin, E., Morad, Y. et al. (2003). Injury induced by chemical warfare agents characterization and treatment of ocular tissues exposed to nitrogen mustard. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 44(7) 2966-2972. 

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