Pirfenidone Inhibits Inflammatory Mediators in Human Cornea In Vitro

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cell Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Corneal inflammation can impair vision by reducing corneal transparency.
• Pirfenidone (PFD) is an FDA-approved drug with anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of pirfenidone (PFD) in inhibiting corneal inflammation using an in vitro model.
• To investigate PFD's effects on inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in human corneal cells.

Main Methods:

• Human corneal stromal fibroblasts (hCSFs) were used to establish an in vitro corneal inflammation model.
• Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation, and PFD's anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using molecular and cellular assays.
• Key inflammatory markers, oxidative stress indicators, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were quantified.

Main Results:

• LPS significantly upregulated inflammatory markers and ROS production in hCSFs.
• PFD treatment (200 µg/mL) significantly reduced LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL1α, IL1β, IL6, COX-2) and oxidative stress markers (GPX1, GPX4, catalase).
• PFD inhibited LPS-induced ROS production and phosphorylation of key inflammatory signaling molecules.

Conclusions:

• PFD demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects in human corneal cells in vitro.
• These findings suggest PFD's potential therapeutic value for corneal inflammatory conditions.
• Further preclinical in vivo studies are recommended to validate PFD's efficacy in treating corneal inflammation.