Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SKQ1 protects cornea from oxidative damage induced by ultraviolet irradiation and mechanical injury

Abstract

SkQ1 efficiently prevents UV-induced corneal damage and enhances corneal wound healing after UV and mechanical impacts common to ocular surgery. Its therapeutic action can be attributed to suppression of mitochondrial oxidative stress, which in the first case embraces all corneal cells including epitheliocytes, while in the second case affects residual endothelial cells and stromal keratocytes actively working in wound healing. We suggest SkQ1 premedication to be used in ocular surgery for preventing iatrogenic complications in the cornea.