Resolvin D1 Inhibits Corneal Inflammation in Staphylococcus Aureus Keratitis

To investigate the role of lipid mediator, resolvin D1 (RvD1), in corneal inflammation.

The anti-inflammatory effect of RvD1 on stimulated human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) was assessed. C57BL/6 mice corneas were abraded and treated with RvD1 after stimulation with Staphylococcus aureus. Cytokine levels in the corneas, cervical drainage lymph nodes (DLNs), and spleens were measured. Anterior segment photography and optical coherence tomography quantified the changes in corneal thickness and haziness. Neutrophil infiltration in the cornea was examined by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry.

RvD1 significantly inhibited cytokine production in HCECs and mouse corneas, cervical DLNs, and spleens while stimulating interleukin-10 (IL-10) production. Corneal opacity development, thickening, and neutrophil infiltration significantly reduced in response to RvD1 stimulation in the S. aureus-infected mice corneas.

RvD1 inhibited S. aureus-induced corneal inflammation. These results potentiate RvD1 as an anti-inflammatory therapy for patients with corneal inflammation induced by bacterial keratitis.