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Effects of COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 on IL-10 expression in rat fungal keratitis
Na Li1, Cheng-Ye Che, Li-Ting Hu
1Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China.
Aim:
To investigate the expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and the effect of NS-398(COX-2 inhibitor) on the expression of IL-10 in fungal keratitis in rats, and analyze its effects on anti-fungus immunity.
Methods:
Ninety Wister rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A was blank control group (10 eyes). Group B was fungal keratitis group (40 eyes). Group C was fungal keratitis group treated with NS-398 (40 eyes). PAS staining, 100g/L potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear and fungal culture confirmed the successful establishment of fungal keratitis model. After the central epithelium was scraped, Fusarium solani colonies were applied and contact lens was put on the right cornea of group B and C, and plane contact lens was put on the left cornea of control eyes. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) eyedrops were given for group B and NS-398 eyedrops for group C. The expression of IL-10 on corneas of group B and C on the 1(st) day, 3(rd) days, 7(th) days, and 14(th) days were detected by immunohistochemistry and semi- quantitative reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results:
Histopathologic examination showed neutrophil infiltration and severe tissue necrosis in ulcer cornea. PAS staining confirmed the existence of hyphae and spores in the superficial layer of stroma. In the blank and control groups almost no expression of IL-10 was detected at any observing points. In group B the expression of IL-10 increased at first and decreased thereafter. Its expression also showed significant difference at any observing points (P<0.01). Compared with group B, the expression of IL-10 in group C showed no difference on the 1(st) day, decrease on the 3(rd) day, but a significant increase on the 7(th) day and 14(th) day.
Conclusion:
IL-10 takes part in the occurrence and development of fungal keratitis. NS-398 can upgrade the expression of IL-10 in fungal keratitis in the later period of the ulcer. Meanwhile, pathologic observation showed a slightly corneal opacity. IL-10 may play an important role in the process of cornea anti-damage repair.
Insights
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is involved in fungal keratitis. NS-398, a COX-2 inhibitor, increases IL-10 expression in later stages, potentially aiding cornea repair.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fungal keratitis is a serious eye infection.
- Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a key cytokine in immune responses.
- The role of IL-10 and COX-2 inhibitors in fungal keratitis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine IL-10 expression in a rat model of fungal keratitis.
- To evaluate the impact of NS-398 (a COX-2 inhibitor) on IL-10 levels.
- To understand the role of IL-10 in anti-fungal immunity and corneal repair.
Main Methods:
- Established fungal keratitis in Wistar rats using Fusarium solani.
- Administered NS-398 eyedrops to one treatment group and PBS to another.
- Quantified IL-10 expression via immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- Fungal keratitis induced significant corneal pathology, including neutrophil infiltration and necrosis.
- IL-10 expression initially rose and then fell in the infected group.
- NS-398 treatment led to increased IL-10 expression in later stages (7 and 14 days).
Conclusions:
- IL-10 plays a role in the pathogenesis of fungal keratitis.
- NS-398 upregulates IL-10 expression during the later phase of fungal keratitis.
- IL-10 may be crucial for corneal anti-damage repair mechanisms.
