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Published on: June 7, 2017
Effects of chondrocyte-derived extracellular matrix in a dry eye mouse model
Chae Eun Kim1, Ha Na Oh2, Ji Hyun Lee1
1Ocular Neovascular Disease Research Center, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea.
Purpose:
The occurrence of repetitive dry eye is accompanied by inflammation. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of chondrocyte-derived extracellular matrix (CDECM) on the cornea and conjunctiva in a dry eye mouse model.
Methods:
Dry eyes were experimentally induced in 12- to 16-week-old NOD.B10.H2(b) mice (Control) via subcutaneous injections of scopolamine (muscarinic receptor blocker) and exposure to an air draft for 10 days (desiccation stress [DS] 10D group). Tear volume and corneal smoothness were measured at 3, 5, 7, and 10 days after the instillation of PBS (PBS group) or CDECM (CDECM group). The corneas and conjunctivas were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS). The expression of inflammatory markers (i.e., tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], matrix metalloproteinase-2 [MMP-2], MMP-9, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1], and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [VCAM-1]) was detected by quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR and western blotting. All data were statistically processed using SPSS version 18.0.
Results:
The instillation of CDECM after the removal of the DS increased tear production by up to 3.0-fold, and corneal smoothness improved to 80% compared to the PBS group (p<0.05). In the CDECM group, the detachment of the corneal epithelial cells was reduced by 73.3% compared to the PBS group, and the conjunctival goblet cell density was significantly recovered to the control levels (p<0.05). The expression of inflammatory factors was decreased in the cornea and conjunctiva of the CDECM group compared to the PBS group.
Conclusions:
These observations suggest that CDECM induced effective anti-inflammatory improvements in the cornea and conjunctiva in this experimental model of dry eye.
Insights
Chondrocyte-derived extracellular matrix (CDECM) effectively reduced inflammation in a dry eye mouse model. CDECM treatment improved tear production, corneal smoothness, and goblet cell density, offering a potential therapeutic for dry eye disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Dry eye disease is characterized by ocular surface inflammation.
- Inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of dry eye, affecting tear production and corneal integrity.
- Chondrocyte-derived extracellular matrix (CDECM) is explored for its potential therapeutic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of CDECM on the cornea and conjunctiva.
- To evaluate CDECM's impact on dry eye symptoms and inflammatory markers in a mouse model.
- To assess CDECM's role in restoring ocular surface health.
Main Methods:
- A dry eye mouse model was established using scopolamine and desiccation stress (DS).
- Tear volume and corneal smoothness were measured after CDECM or PBS instillation.
- Inflammatory marker expression (TNF-α, MMPs, ICAM-1, VCAM-1) was analyzed via qRT-PCR and Western blotting.
Main Results:
- CDECM treatment significantly increased tear production (up to 3.0-fold) and improved corneal smoothness (to 80%).
- Corneal epithelial cell detachment decreased by 73.3%, and conjunctival goblet cell density was restored to control levels.
- CDECM significantly reduced the expression of key inflammatory factors in the cornea and conjunctiva.
Conclusions:
- CDECM demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects in an experimental dry eye model.
- CDECM promotes ocular surface healing by improving tear production and corneal integrity.
- These findings suggest CDECM as a promising therapeutic agent for managing dry eye disease.
