Effects of rhEGF combined with hydroxyglycoside on tear film function and the ERK/NF-?B pathway in patients with xerophthalmia after cataract surgery

Background: Postoperative xerophthalmia (XER) following cataract surgery significantly impacts patient prognosis and quality of life, with traditional artificial tears offering limited efficacy. Objectives: This study investigates the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) combined with hydroxyglycoside. Methods: A total of 164 patients were enrolled: A control group treated with hydroxyglycoside and an observation group treated with rhEGF combined with hydroxyglycoside. Before and after treatment, the tear film break-up time, Schirmer test, corneal fluorescence staining and other indicators were detected, and the levels of serum inflammatory factors and oxidative stress markers were measured in the two groups. At the same time, the dry eye rat model was established, and the rats were divided into groups for intervention. The pathological changes of corneal tissues were observed by HE staining, and the expressions of ERK/NF-KB pathway related proteins were detected by Western blot. Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference in the overall response rate between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the observation group demonstrated a significantly higher and good response rate compared to the control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the observation group demonstrated superior tear film function compared to the control group post-treatment (P<0.05). Blood sample analysis revealed greater reductions in serum inflammatory factors and oxidative stress markers, along with significantly higher superoxide dismutase activity in the observation group (P<0.05). Finally, animal experiments further confirmed that rhEGF combination therapy mitigates corneal epithelial damage, inhibits inflammatory cell infiltration and reduces the expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and phosphorylated NF-?B (p-p65) in corneal tissue. Conclusion: This combination therapy offers a potential treatment strategy for postoperative XER following cataract surgery.