Hepatocyte growth factor and keratinocyte growth factor regulation of epithelial and stromal corneal wound healing

Hepatocyte growth factor and KGF appeared to have potent and often opposite effects on epithelial and stromal cells following a wound. Hepatocyte growth factor was more detrimental than KGF, resulting in an aberrant epithelium and mass differentiation of keratocytes into myofibroblasts. Inhibition of HGF may be an appropriate therapeutic intervention in the case of persistent epithelial defects and to prevent fibrosis following a corneal stromal wound such as can occur after refractive surgery.