Airborne Particulates Affect Corneal Homeostasis and Immunity

The effect of airborne particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) on meibomian gland

Exposure to particulate matters in air pollution of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) was associated with loss of meibomian glands. The aim of this study was to verify that PM2.5 could directly impact meibomian gland epithelial cells and damage their function. To investigate the impact of PM2.5 on meibomian gland, immortalized human meibomian gland epithelial cells were treated with various concentrations of PM2.5in vitro. Meibomian gland cell microstructure, cell viability, expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and IL-1β, and intracellular accumulation of acidic vesicles were measured by transmission electron microscopy, cell counting, Western blot and LysoTracker staining, respectively. To further study the effect of PM2.5in vivo, male C57BL/6J mice were treated with 5 mg/ml PM2.5 or vehicle for 3 months. Corneal fluorescein staining and ocular examinations were done before and after the treatment. Eyelids tissues were processed for morphological studies, immunostaining and Oil Red O staining. Our data suggest that exposure to PM2.5 caused significant meibomian gland dropout, clogged gland orifice and increased corneal fluorescein staining that were consistent with the clinical presentations of meibomian gland dysfunction. Prominent changes in the morphology and ultrastructure of meibomian glands was observed with PM2.5 treatment. PM2.5 promoted ductal keratinization, inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis and increased Interleukin-1β production in meibomian gland epithelial cells. This study may explain the association between PM2.5 exposure and meibomian gland dropout observed in clinic. PM2.5 resuspension instillation could be used to induce a meibomian gland dysfunction animal model.

Impact of Airborne Exposure to PM10 Increases Susceptibility to P. aeruginosa Infection

The effects of exposure to airborne particulate matter with a size of 10 μm or less (PM10) on C57BL/6 mouse corneas, their response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection, and the protective effects of SKQ1 were determined. C57BL/6 mouse corneas receiving PBS or SKQ1 were exposed to control (air) or PM10 for 2 weeks, infected, and the disease was documented by clinical score, PMN quantitation, bacterial plate count, RT-PCR and Western blot. PBS-treated, PM10-exposed corneas did not differ at 1 day postinfection (dpi), but exhibited earlier (3 dpi) corneal thinning compared to controls. By 3 dpi, PM10 significantly increased corneal mRNA levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, but decreased IL-10, NQO1, GR1, GPX4, and Nrf2 over control. SKQ1 reversed these effects and Western blot selectively confirmed the RT-PCR results. PM10 resulted in higher viable bacterial plate counts at 1 and 3 dpi, but SKQ1 reduced them at 3 dpi. PM10 significantly increased MPO in the cornea at 3 dpi and was reduced by SKQ1. SKQ1, used as an adjunctive treatment to moxifloxacin, was not significantly different from moxifloxacin alone. Exposure to PM10 increased the susceptibility of C57BL/6 to PA infection; SKQ1 significantly reversed these effects, but was not effective as an adjunctive treatment.

Environmental PM2.5-triggered stress responses in digestive diseases

Airborne particulate matter in fine and ultrafine ranges (aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm, PM2.5) is a primary air pollutant that poses a serious threat to public health. Accumulating evidence has pointed to a close association between inhalation exposure to PM2.5 and increased morbidity and mortality associated with modern human complex diseases. The adverse health effect of inhalation exposure to PM2.5 pollutants is systemic, involving multiple organs, different cell types and various molecular mediators. Organelle damages and oxidative stress appear to play a major role in the cytotoxic effects of PM2.5 by mediating stress response pathways related to inflammation, metabolic alteration and cell death programmes. The organs or tissues in the digestive tract, such as the liver, pancreas and small intestines, are susceptible to PM2.5 exposure. This review underscores PM2.5-induced inflammatory stress responses and their involvement in digestive diseases caused by PM2.5 exposure.

Mechanisms of PM10 Disruption of the Nrf2 Pathway in Cornea

We have previously shown that PM10 exposure causes oxidative stress and reduces Nrf2 protein levels, and SKQ1 pre-treatment protects against this damage in human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-2). The current study focuses on uncovering the mechanisms underlying acute PM10 toxicity and SKQ1-mediated protection. HCE-2 were pre-treated with SKQ1 and then exposed to 100 μg/mL PM10. Cell viability, oxidative stress markers, programmed cell death, DNA damage, senescence markers, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. Nrf2 cellular location and its transcriptional activity were determined. Effects of the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 were similarly evaluated. Data showed that PM10 decreased cell viability, Nrf2 transcriptional activity, and mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes, but increased p-PI3K, p-NFκB, COX-2, and iNOS proteins levels. Additionally, PM10 exposure significantly increased DNA damage, phosphor-p53, p16 and p21 protein levels, and β-galactosidase (β-gal) staining, which confirmed the senescence. SKQ1 pre-treatment reversed these effects. ML385 lowered the Nrf2 protein levels and mRNA levels of its downstream targets. ML385 also abrogated the protective effects of SKQ1 against PM10 toxicity by preventing the restoration of cell viability and reduced oxidative stress. In conclusion, PM10 induces inflammation, reduces Nrf2 transcriptional activity, and causes DNA damage, leading to a senescence-like phenotype, which is prevented by SKQ1.

Consequences of exposure to particulate matter on the ocular surface: Mechanistic insights from cellular mechanisms to epidemiological findings

Exposure to air pollutants, especially in the case of particulate matter (PM), poses significant health risks throughout the body. The ocular surface is directly exposed to atmospheric PM making it challenging to avoid. This constant exposure makes the ocular surface a valuable model for investigating the impact of air pollutants on the eyes. This comprehensive review assembles evidence from across the spectrum, from in vitro and in vivo investigations to clinical studies and epidemiological studies, offering a thorough understanding of how PM10 and PM2.5 affect the health of the ocular surface. PM has been primarily found to induce inflammatory responses, allergic reactions, oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial impairment, and inhibit the proliferation and migration of ocular surface cells. In toto these effects ultimately lead to impaired wound healing and ocular surface damage. In addition, PM can alter tear composition. These events contribute to ocular diseases such as dry eye disease, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, limbal stem cell deficiency and pterygium. Importantly, preexisting ocular conditions such as dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis, and infectious keratitis can be worsened by PM exposure. Adaptive responses may partially alleviate the mentioned insults, resulting in morphological and physiological changes that could be different between periods of short-term and long-term exposure. Particle size is not the only determinant of the ocular effect of PM, the composition and solubility of PM also play critical roles. Increasing awareness of how PM affects the ocular surface is crucial in the field of public health, and mechanistic insights of these adverse effects may provide guidelines for preventive and therapeutic strategies in dealing with a polluted environment.

PM10 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: effects on corneal epithelium

Purpose

In vivo data indicate that mouse corneas exposed to PM10 showed early perforation and thinning after infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To understand the mechanisms underlying this finding, we tested the effects of PM10 and the mitochondria targeted anti-oxidant SKQ1 in immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCET) that were challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 19660.

Methods

Mouse corneas were infected with strain 19660 after a 2 week whole-body exposure to PM10 or control air and assessed by clinical scores, slit lamp photography and western blot. HCET were exposed to 100μg/ml PM10 for 24h before challenge with strain 19660 (MOI 20). A subset of cells were pre-treated with 50nM SKQ1 for 1h before PM10 exposure. Phase contrast microscopy was used to study cell morphology, cell viability was measured by an MTT assay, and ROS by DCFH-DA. Levels of pro-inflammatory markers and anti-oxidant enzymes were evaluated by RT-PCR, western blot and ELISA. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated by assay kits.

Results

In vivo, whole body exposure to PM10 vs. control air exposed mouse corneas showed early perforation and/or corneal thinning at 3 days post infection, accompanied by increased TNF-α and decreased SOD2 protein levels. In vitro, PM10 induced a dose dependent reduction in cell viability of HCET and significantly increased mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory molecules compared to control. Exposure to PM10 before bacterial challenge further amplified the reduction in cell viability and GSH levels. Furthermore, PM10 exposure also exacerbated the increase in MDA and ROS levels and phase contrast microscopy revealed more rounded cells after strain 19660 challenge. PM10 exposure also further increased the mRNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory molecules, while anti-inflammatory IL-10 was decreased. SKQ1 reversed the rounded cell morphology observed by phase contrast microscopy, increased levels of MDA, ROS and pro-inflammatory molecules, and restored IL-10.

Conclusions

PM10 induces decreased cell viability, oxidative stress and inflammation in HCET and has an additive effect upon bacterial challenge. SKQ1 protects against oxidative stress and inflammation induced by PM10 after bacterial challenge by reversing these effects. The findings provide insight into mechanisms underlying early perforation and thinning observed in infected corneas of PM10 exposed mice.

Airborne Exposure of the Cornea to PM10 Induces Oxidative Stress and Disrupts Nrf2 Mediated Anti-Oxidant Defenses

The purpose of this study is to test the effects of whole-body animal exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of <10 μm (PM10) in the mouse cornea and in vitro. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to control or 500 µg/m3 PM10 for 2 weeks. In vivo, reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed. RT-PCR and ELISA evaluated levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling and inflammatory markers. SKQ1, a novel mitochondrial antioxidant, was applied topically and GSH, MDA and Nrf2 levels were tested. In vitro, cells were treated with PM10 ± SKQ1 and cell viability, MDA, mitochondrial ROS, ATP and Nrf2 protein were tested. In vivo, PM10 vs. control exposure significantly reduced GSH, corneal thickness and increased MDA levels. PM10-exposed corneas showed significantly higher mRNA levels for downstream targets, pro-inflammatory molecules and reduced Nrf2 protein. In PM10-exposed corneas, SKQ1 restored GSH and Nrf2 levels and lowered MDA. In vitro, PM10 reduced cell viability, Nrf2 protein, and ATP, and increased MDA, and mitochondrial ROS; while SKQ1 reversed these effects. Whole-body PM10 exposure triggers oxidative stress, disrupting the Nrf2 pathway. SKQ1 reverses these deleterious effects in vivo and in vitro, suggesting applicability to humans.

Co-exposure of PM2.5 and high-fat diet induce lipid metabolism reprogramming and vascular remodeling

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure has been proved to increase the cardiovascular disease risk. However, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge on whether a high-fat diet (HFD) affects PM_2.5-induced cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impairment of lipid metabolism and vascular function by PM_2.5 and HFD exposure in ApoE^-/- mice. Oil red O staining indicated that co-treatment of PM_2.5 and HFD resulted in markedly lipid deposition in the mice aorta. Blood biochemical analysis demonstrated that co-exposure of PM_2.5 and HFD could cause dyslipidemia in vivo. Vascular Doppler ultrasound and histopathological analysis found that the functional and structural alterations with fibrosis and calcified remodeling of the vessels were detected after PM_2.5 and HFD exposure. For in-depth study, the genome-wide transcriptional analysis performed in macrophages was further revealed that the endoplasmic reticulum stress, immune system process, regulation of cell proliferation etc. were response to PM_2.5 exposure; while Lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathways had a critical role in PM_2.5-induced vascular injury. Results from validation experiments manifested that the release of supernatant in PM_2.5- or ox-LDL-treated macrophages could decrease the cell viability and increase the lipid ROS in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Moreover, the up-regulations of CCL2, IL-6 and IL-1β in aortic arch of mice were observed after co-exposure with PM_2.5 and HFD. Our data hinted that PM_2.5 could affect the lipid metabolism reprogramming and induce vascular remodeling, accompanied with synergistic effects of HFD.

Ambient particulate matter exposure causes visual dysfunction and retinal neuronal degeneration

PM_2.5 pollution is related to neurotoxic and vascular effects in eye diseases such as glaucoma. This study investigates the adverse effects of PM_2.5 exposure on visual function and retinal neurons. A versatile aerosol concentration enrichment system was used to expose mice to either control air or PM_2.5 polluted air. Six months after PM_2.5 exposure, visual function was measured by electroretinography (ERG). Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence staining were used for histopathological analysis. Protein markers of apoptosis, astrocytic reactivity, inflammatory cytokines, lipid peroxidation, protein nitration and DNA damage response were quantified with ELISA, western blot or detected using immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. After six months of exposure, PM_2.5-exposed mice responded poorly to light stimuli compared with those exposed to the control air. PM_2.5 exposure caused retinal thinning and reduction in the expression of retinal ganglion cell-selective marker RNA-binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS). Further, positive TUNEL staining was observed in the inner nucleus and outer nuclear layers of the retinae after exposure to PM_2.5, which was accompanied by the activation of apoptosis signaling molecules p53, caspase-3 and Bax. PM_2.5 induced the release of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α and cleaved interleukin-1β. Furthermore, increased levels of 8-OHdG and γ-H2AX in the mouse retinea were indicative of DNA single and double strand breaks by PM_2.5 exposure, which activated PARP-1 mediated DNA damage and repair. In conclusion, this study demonstrates sub-chronic systemic exposure to concentrated PM_2.5 causes visual dysfunction and retinal neuronal degeneration. DATA AVAILABILITY: The datasets during and/or analyzed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Smoke and the eyes: A review of the harmful effects of wildfire smoke and air pollution on the ocular surface

Wildfires are occurring worldwide with greater frequency and intensity. Wildfires, as well as other sources of air pollution including environmental tobacco smoke, household biomass combustion, agricultural burning, and vehicular emissions, release large amounts of toxic substances into the atmosphere. The ocular surface is constantly exposed to the ambient air and is hence vulnerable to damage from air pollutants. This review describes the detrimental effects of wildfire smoke and air pollution on the ocular surface and resultant signs and symptoms. The latest relevant evidence is synthesised and critically evaluated. A mechanism for the pathophysiology of ocular surface damage will be proposed considering the existing literature on respiratory effects of air pollution. Current strategies to reduce human exposure to air pollutants are discussed and specific possible approaches to protect the ocular surface and manage air pollution induced ocular surface damage are suggested. Further avenues of research are suggested to understand how acute and chronic air pollution exposure affects the ocular surface including the short and long-term implications.

Effect of fungal indoor air pollutant 1-octen-3-ol on levels of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide as well as dehydrogenases activities in drosophila melanogaster males

Fungal pollution of indoor environments contributes to several allergic symptoms and represents a public health problem. It is well-established that 1-octen-3-ol, also known as mushroom alcohol, is a fungal volatile organic compound (VOC) commonly found in damp indoor spaces and responsible for the typical musty odor. Previously it was reported that exposure to 1-octen-3-ol induced inflammations and disrupted mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetic rate in Drosophila melanogaster. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of 1-octen-3-ol on dehydrogenase activity, apoptotic biomarkers, levels of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as antioxidant enzymes activities. D. melanogaster flies were exposed to an atmosphere containing 1-octen-3-ol (2.5 or ∞l/L) for 24 hr. Data demonstrated that 1-octen-3-ol decreased dehydrogenases activity and NO levels but increased ROS levels accompanied by stimulation of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities without altering caspase 3/7 activation. These findings indicate that adverse mitochondrial activity effects following exposure of D. melanogaster to 1-octen-3-ol, a fungal VOC, may be attributed to oxidant stress. The underlying mechanisms involved in adverse consequences of indoor fungal exposure appear to be related to necrotic but not apoptotic mechanisms. The adverse consequences were sex-dependent with males displaying higher sensitivity to 1-octen-3-ol. Based upon on the fact that the fly genome shares nearly 75% of disease-related genes to human exposure to this fungus may explain the adverse human responses to mold especially for males.

Topical Porphyrin Antioxidant Protects Against Ocular Surface Pathology in a Novel Rabbit Model for Particulate Matter-Induced Dry Eye Disease

Purpose: Particulate matter (PM) is a primary cause for the development of acute and chronic dry eye disease, especially irritant-induced conjunctivitis. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of fine atmospheric PM on the rabbit ocular surface, and determine the protective effects of a synthetic antioxidant, manganese(III) tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin (Mn-TM-2-PyP), in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Rabbit corneal epithelial cells (SIRC) were exposed to increasing concentrations of PM to determine the effects on cell motility and viability. The in vivo effects of topically instilled PM were tested in New Zealand White rabbits. Comprehensive ophthalmic exams and corneal fluorescein staining were performed. Results: Exposure to PM resulted in dose-dependent cell death and impaired cellular motility; Mn-TM-2-PyP protected against PM-induced cytotoxicity and significantly increased SIRC cell motility. In vivo, exposure to PM (5 mg/ml, topical, 3 times daily for 7 days) resulted in signs of dry eye, notably hyperemia, increased corneal fluorescein staining, and decreased tear volumes. Mn-TM-2-PyP significantly improved hyperemia and corneal fluorescein readouts but had no effect on tear production. Lifitegrast (Xiidra^®) showed similar pharmacologic efficacy to Mn-TM-2-PyP. Conclusion: Overall, these data provide evidence that PM induces phenotypes of ocular surface disease responsive to antioxidant and immunosuppressant therapy. To our knowledge this is the first report of a large animal model to study PM-induced ocular surface disease. The present work provides standardized experimental paradigms for the comprehensive in vitro and in vivo testing of novel therapeutic approaches targeting PM-induced conjunctivitis and dry-eye.

Necroptosis Contributes to Airborne Particulate Matter-Induced Ocular Surface Injury

In this study, we explored the role of necroptosis in the pathogenesis of ocular surface injury caused by airborne particulate matter (PM). Human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells and mouse ocular surface were treated with PM exposure and compared with non-exposed groups. The expression of necroptosis-related proteins was measured by immunoblotting in HCE cell groups. Cell damages were detected using CCK-8, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining. In the mouse model, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and corneal fluorescein sodium staining were assessed. In addition, the expression of inflammatory cytokines and mucin were examined via Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence staining and/or quantitative RT -PCR (qRT-PCR), both in vitro and in vivo. Our research showed that PM exposure may trigger HCE cell damage via necroptosis. Necrostatin-1(Nec-1), one of the specific inhibitors of necroptosis, can markedly reduce PM-induced HCE cell damage. HCE cell damage markers included decreased cell viability, increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. At the same time, Nec-1 inhibited the increased inflammatory cytokines and the decreased mucin expression caused by PM exposure in HCE cells. Nec-1 also reduced corneal inflammation and mucin underproduction in mouse ocular surface after PM exposure. Our study demonstrated that necroptosis is involved in the pathogenesis of PM exposure-related ocular surface injury, including inflammation and insufficient mucin production in the cornea, which can be rescued by inhibitor Nec-1. This suggests Nec-1 could be a novel therapeutic target for ocular surface disorders, especially dry eye disease, which is caused by the exacerbation of airborne PM pollution.

Research advances in pathogenic mechanisms underlying air pollution-induced ocular surface diseases

Background

The harmful effect of aerial fine particulate matter（PM2.5）has been a serious public health issue and has attracted worldwide attention, especially in developing countries.

Main Text

Numerous previous clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated that PM2.5 has a clear pathogenic effect on diseases related to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Recent researches have pointed out that PM2.5 plays a pivotal role in the occurrence and progression of ocular surface diseases. The current studies have shown that PM2.5 may promote the appearance of conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction（MGD） and other ocular surface diseases through regulating a series of mechanisms such as inflammation, immune reaction, oxidative stress, autophagy, cell migration, and epigenetics.

Conclusions

This review aims to summarize the current research progress on the pathogenic mechanism of PM2.5-related ocular surface diseases.

Airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) triggers ocular hypertension and glaucoma through pyroptosis

Background

Particulate matter (PM) is strongly linked to human health and has detrimental effects on the eye. Studies have, however, focused on the ocular surface, with limited research on the impact of PM_2.5 on intraocular pressure (IOP).

Methods

To investigate the impact of PM_2.5 on IOP and the associated mechanism, C57BL/6 mouse eyes were topically exposed to a PM_2.5 suspension for 3 months, and human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells were subjected to various PM_2.5 concentrations in vitro. Cell viability, NLRP3/caspase-1, IL-1β, and GSDMD expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell contractility were measured by western blot, ELISA, cell counting kit-8, ROS assay kit or a cell contractility assay. ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and caspase-1 inhibitor VX-765 were used to intervene in PM_2.5-induced damages.

Results

The results revealed that the IOP increased gradually after PM_2.5 exposure, and upregulations of the NLRP3 inflammasome, caspase-1, IL-1β, and GSDMD protein levels were observed in outflow tissues. PM_2.5 exposure decreased HTM cell viability and affected contraction. Furthermore, elevated ROS levels were observed as well as an activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and downstream inflammatory factors caspase-1 and IL-1β. NAC improved HTM cell viability, inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome axis, and HTM cell contraction by scavenging ROS. VX-765 showed similar protection against the PM_2.5 induced adverse effects.

Conclusion

This study provides novel evidence that PM_2.5 has a direct toxic effect on intraocular tissues and may contribute to the initiation and development of ocular hypertension and glaucoma. This occurs as a result of increased oxidative stress and the subsequent induction of NLRP3 inflammasome mediated pyroptosis in trabecular meshwork cells.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12989-021-00403-4.

Urban Aerosol Particulate Matter Promotes Necrosis and Autophagy via Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Cellular Disorders that are Accompanied by Cell Cycle Arrest in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Urban particulate matter (UPM) is recognized as a grave public health problem worldwide. Although a few studies have linked UPM to ocular surface diseases, few studies have reported on retinal dysfunction. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of UPM on the retina and identify the main mechanism of UPM toxicity. In this study, we found that UPM significantly induced cytotoxicity with morphological changes in ARPE-19 human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and increased necrosis and autophagy but not apoptosis. Furthermore, UPM significantly increased G2/M arrest and simultaneously induced alterations in cell cycle regulators. In addition, DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction were remarkably enhanced by UPM. However, the pretreatment with the potent reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) effectively suppressed UPM-mediated cytotoxicity, necrosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, NAC markedly restored UPM-induced DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. Meanwhile, UPM increased the expression of mitophagy-regulated proteins, but NAC had no effect on mitophagy. Taken together, although further studies are needed to identify the role of mitophagy in UPM-induced RPE injury, the present study provides the first evidence that ROS-mediated cellular damage through necrosis and autophagy is one of the mechanisms of UPM-induced retinal disorders.

Effects of Glycyrrhizin Treatment on Diabetic Cornea

Purpose: To test how glycyrrhizin (GLY) affects mouse corneal epithelial cells (MCEC) and the diabetic murine cornea. Methods: Viability of MCEC grown under normal or high glucose (HG) with/without GLY was tested by an MTT assay. In addition, C57BL/6 mice were injected with streptozotocin and a subset of control and diabetic mice received GLY in their drinking water. mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory and oxidative stress molecules were tested by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in both models. Ex vivo studies using human diabetic versus control corneas analyzed proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers using RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: GLY protected against loss of cell viability induced by HG and significantly reduced HMGB1, IL-1β, TLR2, TLR4, NLRP3, COX2, SOD2, HO-1, GPX2, and GR1. In vivo, corneas of GLY-treated diabetic mice showed significantly decreased mRNA expression for CXCL2, iNOS, and all molecules listed above; GLY also lowered HMGB1 and IL-1β proteins (in vitro and in vivo). Ex vivo studies using diabetic human corneas revealed elevated mRNA levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress molecules (as listed above for in vivo) versus normal age-matched controls. Protein levels for HMGB1 and IL-1β also were elevated in diabetic human versus control corneas. Conclusions: The data provide evidence that GLY treatment attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in vitro in MCEC and in vivo in the cornea of diabetic mice. Ex vivo data support the similarities of proinflammatory and oxidative stress data in mouse compared to human, suggesting that GLY treatment would have relevancy to patient care.