Activation of nuclear factor-kappa B in the conjunctiva with the epithelial scraping of the mouse cornea and human epidemic keratoconjunctivitis

Retinoic acid promotes conjunctival epithelium differentiation and goblet cell regeneration: evidence from novel 3D conjunctival organoids and whole-mount PAS staining

PURPOSE

To investigate the differentiation effects of retinoic acid on primary conjunctival epithelium using both 2D and 3D models, and to evaluate its in vivo effects on conjunctival epithelium and goblet cells in mice using a novel goblet cell assessment method.

METHODS

The differentiation effects of retinoic acid were evaluated in vitro using 2D culture and 3D organoid models. Under 2D conditions, differentiation was assessed using qRT-PCR, light microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot analysis for goblet cell markers. In the 3D organoid model, differentiation was confirmed using qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and AB-PAS staining. In vivo, a novel goblet cell assessment method-whole-mount PAS staining-was introduced, along with H&E staining to evaluate the effects of retinoic acid eye drops.

RESULTS

In the 2D culture model, retinoic acid induced cell fusion, decreased stemness marker expression, and increased goblet cell differentiation markers. In the 3D organoid model, retinoic acid treatment led to elevated expression of goblet cell markers, including Muc5ac, Tff1, and Gcnt3, as confirmed by qRT-PCR, AB-PAS staining, and immunofluorescence. In vivo, retinoic acid eye drops promoted goblet cell generation, as demonstrated by the novel assessment method.

CONCLUSIONS

Retinoic acid promotes conjunctival epithelial differentiation and goblet cell regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. A novel method for goblet cell detection is proposed, providing a more accurate and reliable approach for evaluating conjunctival goblet cells in future research.

Corneal injury repair and the potential involvement of ZEB1

The cornea, consisting of three cellular and two non-cellular layers, is the outermost part of the eyeball and frequently injured by external physical, chemical, and microbial insults. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in the repair of corneal injuries. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), an important transcription factor involved in EMT, is expressed in the corneal tissues. It regulates cell activities like migration, transformation, and proliferation, and thereby affects tissue inflammation, fibrosis, tumor metastasis, and necrosis by mediating various major signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Dysfunction of ZEB1 would impair corneal tissue repair leading to epithelial healing delay, interstitial fibrosis, neovascularization, and squamous cell metaplasia. Understanding the mechanism underlying ZEB1 regulation of corneal injury repair will help us to formulate a therapeutic approach to enhance corneal injury repair.

Short-Term Effect of Rose Bengal Photodynamic Therapy (RB-PDT) on Collagen I, Collagen V, NF-κB, LOX, TGF-β and IL-6 Expression of Human Corneal Fibroblasts, In Vitro

PURPOSE

To investigate collagen I, collagen V, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), lysyl oxidase (LOX), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in healthy and keratoconus human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs and KC-HCFs), 24 h after Rose Bengal photodynamic therapy (RB-PDT).

METHODS

HCFs were isolated from healthy human corneal donors (n = 5) and KC-HCFs from elective penetrating keratoplasties (n = 5). Both cell cultures underwent RB-PDT (0.001% RB concentration, 0.17 J/cm2 fluence) and 24 h later collagen I, collagen V, NF-κB, LOX, TGF-β1 and IL-6 mRNA and protein expression have been determined using qPCR and Western blot, IL-6 concentration in the cell culture supernatant by ELISA.

RESULTS

TGF-β1 mRNA expression was significantly lower (p = 0.02) and IL-6 mRNA expression was significantly higher in RB-PDT treated HCFs (p = 0.01), than in HCF controls. COL1A1, COL5A1 and TGF-β1 mRNA expression was significantly lower (p = 0.04; p = 0.02 and p = 0.003) and IL-6 mRNA expression was significantly higher (p = 0.02) in treated KC-HCFs, than in KC-HCF controls. TGF-β1 protein expression in treated HCFs was significantly higher than in HCF controls (p = 0.04). IL-6 protein concentration in the HCF and KC-HCF culture supernatant after RB-PDT was significantly higher than in controls (p = 0.02; p = 0.01). No other analyzed mRNA and protein expression differed significantly between the RB-PDT treated and untreated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that RB-PDT reduces collagen I, collagen V and TGF-β1 mRNA expression, while increasing IL-6 mRNA and protein expression in KC-HCFs. In HCFs, RB-PDT increases TGF-β1 and IL-6 protein level after 24 h.

Virucidal, antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of β-escin and Aesculus hippocastanum extract

OBJECTIVES

β-Escin, one of the constituents of Aesculus hippocastanum L. (Hippocastanaceae) seed extract (AH), inhibits NF-κB activation, which plays an important role in HSV-1 replication. The aim was to examine the antiherpetic activity of β-escin and AH, as well as their effect on the activation of NF-κB and AP-1 and cytokine secretion in epithelial cells and macrophages.

METHODS

Cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay, and antiviral and virucidal activity was determined by plaque assay. The effect on NF-κB and AP-1 signalling pathways activation was determined by a luciferase reporter assay, and cytokine production was measured by ELISA.

KEY FINDINGS

β-Escin and AH had virucidal and anti-HSV-1 activities, and the antiviral activity was discovered for other enveloped viruses (VSV and Dengue). Moreover, β-escin and AH significantly reduced NF-κB and AP-1 activation and cytokine production in macrophages stimulated with HSV-1 and TLRs ligands. However, an enhanced activation of these pathways and an increase in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in β-escin and AH-treated HSV-1-infected epithelial cells were found.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates virucidal and broad-spectrum antiviral activities for β escin and AH. Besides, β-escin and AH modulate cytokine production depending on the stimuli (viral or non-viral) and the cell type under study.

Rebamipide suppresses TNF-α production and macrophage infiltration in the conjunctiva

PURPOSE

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of rebamipide during corneal epithelial wound healing using a mouse wound repair model.

METHODS

A 2-mm circular disc of the central cornea was demarcated in the right eye of C57BL/6 mice and the epithelium removed. Rebamipide 2% eyedrop was instilled onto the wounded eye 5 times a day (n = 26). Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was used in the control group (n = 26). Corneal and conjunctival IL-1β and TNF-α levels were measured at 6 h and 24 h postinjury by ELISA. The wounded area was evaluated by fluorescein staining at 24 h postinjury. Macrophage infiltration was assessed immunohistochemically, and TNF-α secretion from macrophages was examined in vitro.

RESULTS

Conjunctival IL-1β and corneal IL-1β levels were not significantly different between PBS-treated and rebamipide-treated groups. However, conjunctival TNF-α level was significantly lower in the rebamipide-treated group compared with the PBS-treated group. Macrophage migration into the conjunctiva, but not into the cornea, was suppressed by rebamipide treatment. In addition, TNF-α secretion from cultured macrophages was suppressed by rebamipide in a concentration-dependent manner. Rebamipide treatment significantly accelerated corneal epithelial wound healing at 24 h postinjury.

CONCLUSIONS

In a mouse corneal epithelial wound model, rebamipide suppressed TNF-α secretion and macrophage infiltration in the conjunctiva, which might have contributed to accelerated corneal epithelial wound healing in the first 24 h following injury.

In vitro transdifferentiation of human skin keratinocytes to corneal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND AIMS

Skin keratinocytes (SKs) share the same surface ectodermal origin as that of corneal epithelium. In this study, the plasticity of epidermal keratinocytes was exploited to generate corneal epithelial-like cells, which might serve as an alternative source of autologous tissue for the treatment of bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency.

METHODS

Skin samples were subjected to collagenase digestion to isolate SKs and transdifferentiated to corneal epithelial-like cells using limbal fibroblast conditioned medium (LFCM). SKs and transdifferentiated corneal epithelial cells (TDCECs) were characterized using immunofluorescence and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The propensity for expression of angiogenic genes in TDCECs was compared with cultured oral mucosal epithelial cells (COMEC) in vitro. RT(2) quantitative polymerase chain reaction profiler array was performed to study the signaling pathways involved in the transdifferentiation process.

RESULTS

The TDCECs obtained from SKs showed corneal epithelial-like morphology and expressed corneal epithelial markers, CK3 and CK12. Hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry showed stratified layers of TDCECs expressing CK 3/12, confirming the corneal epithelial phenotype. We found that the expression of several angiogenic and epithelial mesenchymal transition factors were down-regulated in TDCECs compared with COMEC, suggesting a lower capacity to induce angiogenesis in TDCECs. There was considerable difference in the signaling mechanisms between TDCECs and SKs on testing by RT(2) profiler array, signifying differences at the global gene profile. The comparison of TDCECs and limbal derived corneal epithelial cells showed similar gene expression.

DISCUSSION

Our study shows that SKs have the potential to transdifferentiate into corneal epithelial-like cells using LFCM.

Nuclear Factor-κB: central regulator in ocular surface inflammation and diseases

The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a key transcription factor pathway that is responsible for many key biological processes, such as inflammation, apoptosis, stress response, corneal wound healing, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. Numerous recent studies have investigated NF-κB in the context of ocular surface disorders, including chemical injury, ultraviolet radiation-induced injury, microbial infections, allergic eye diseases, dry eye, pterygium, and corneal graft rejection. The purpose this article is to summarize key findings with regard to the pathways regulating NF-κB and processes governed by the NF-κB pathway. In the innate defense system, NF-κB is involved in signaling from the toll-like receptors 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7, which are expressed in conjunctival, limbal, and corneal epithelial cells. These determine the ocular responses to infections, such as those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, adenovirus, and herpes simplex-1 virus. Natural angiogenic inhibitors enhance NF-κB, and this may occur through the mitogen-activated protein kinases and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. In alkali injury, inhibition of NF-κB can reduce corneal angiogenesis, suggesting a possible therapeutic strategy. The evaluation of NF-κB inhibitors in diseases is also discussed, including emodin, besifloxacin, BOL-303242-X (mapracorat), thymosin-β4, epigallocatechin gallate, Perilla frutescens leaf extract and IKKβ-targeting short interfering RNA.

Dietary zerumbone prevents mouse cornea from UVB-induced photokeratitis through inhibition of NF-κB, iNOS, and TNF-α expression and reduction of MDA accumulation

PURPOSE

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation activates nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the cornea, resulting in inflammatory responses and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. This study aims to determine the effect of zerumbone, a potent NF-κB inhibitor and inflammation modulators, on UVB-induced corneal damages in a mouse model.

METHODS

Fifty female imprinting control region (ICR) mice were randomly divided into five groups. The mice were anaesthetized with their ocular surfaces exposed to UVB light (0.72J/cm(2)/daily), followed by daily dietary zerumbone supplements at 0, 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg of bodyweight. Mice without zerumbone supplements were used as treatment controls and mice without UVB irradiation as blank controls. Corneal surface damages were graded according to smoothness, opacity, and the extent of lissamine green staining. Histopathological changes were also examined, along with the expression of NF-κB, iNOS, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). MDA accumulation and the levels of two antioxidant enzymes, glutathione (GSH) and GSH reductase (GR) were also examined.

RESULTS

UVB irradiation caused significant damages to cornea, including sustained inflammation, apparent corneal ulcer, and severe epithelial exfoliation, leading to thinning of corneal epithelial layer, and infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. NF-κB expression was highly activated with nuclear translocation. The expression of iNOS and TNF-α were increased. MDA accumulation was also increased in both the corneal epithelial layer and the stroma. With dietary zerumbone, corneal damages were ameliorated in a dose-dependent manner. NF-κB activation and its nuclear translocation were blocked with decreased expression of iNOS and TNF-α. Infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was also blocked by dietary zerumbone. Besides, MDA accumulation was reduced with concomitant increase of GSH and GR levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary zerumbone prevents UVB-induced corneal damages by inhibition of NF-κB, iNOS, and TNF-α, with concomitant reduction of MDA accumulation and increase of GSH and GR levels in the mouse model. Results of this study suggest that dietary zerumbone may be used as a prophylactic agent against UVB-induced photokeratitis.

A natural tetranortriterpenoid with immunomodulating properties as a potential anti-HSV agent

Meliacine (MA), an antiviral principle present in partially purified leaf extracts of Melia azedarach L., prevents the development of herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) in mice by diminishing the viral load in the eye and the severity of lesions caused by a virus-induced immunopathological reaction. The tetranortriterpenoid 1-cinnamoyl-3,11-dihydroxymeliacarpin (CDM), obtained from MA purification, displays anti-herpetic activity and impedes nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation in HSV-1 infected conjunctival cells. To extend our understanding about CDM biological properties, we investigated its anti-HSV-1 activity as well as the effect on NF-kappaB activation and cytokine secretion induced by viral (HSV-1) and no-viral (LPS) stimuli, in corneal cells and macrophages. CDM exerted a potent anti-HSV-1 effect on corneal cells and inhibited NF-kappaB translocation to the nucleus, leading to a decrease in IL-6 production. Besides, CDM seemed to modulate IL-6 and TNF-alpha responses in macrophages, whether they were infected with HSV-1 or stimulated with LPS. However, CDM did not affect NF-kappaB activation in these cells, suggesting that an alternative NF-kappaB cell signaling pathway would be involved in the modulation of cytokine production. We conclude that, in addition to its antiviral effect, CDM would be acting as an immunomodulating compound which would be responsible for the improvement of murine HSK already reported.

The in vitro immunomodulatory activity of a synthetic brassinosteroid analogue would account for the improvement of herpetic stromal keratitis in mice

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) induces an ocular chronic immunoinflammatory syndrome named herpetic stromal keratitis that can lead to vision impairment and blindness. We have reported that the synthetic brassinosteroid (22S,23S)-3beta-bromo-5alpha,22,23-trihydroxystigmastan-6-one, designated as 2, is a potent antiviral in vitro and reduces the incidence of murine herpetic stromal keratitis, although it does not exert an antiviral effect in vivo. In the present report, we investigated whether brassinosteroid 2 may play a role in the modulation of the response of epithelial and immune cells to HSV-1 infection. Compound 2 blocked HSV-1-induced activation of NF-kappaB by inhibiting its translocation to the nucleus of infected corneal and conjunctival cells in vitro, as well as significantly reduced the secretion of TNF-alpha in infected NHC cells. Conversely, IL-6 production was enhanced by compound 2 after HSV-1 infection in both cell types. The production of these cytokines was considerably reduced in a LPS-stimulated macrophage cell line after treatment with compound 2. In conclusion, brassinosteroid 2 would be playing a modulating effect as an inductor or inhibitor, depending on the cell type involved. The improvement of disease observed in mice could be a balance between both, the immunostimulating and immunosuppressive effects of brassinosteroid 2 in vivo.