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Background : Dry eyes are caused by highly increased osmolarity of tear film, inflammation, and apoptosis of the ocular surface. Polygonum cuspidatum is a herbaceous perennial plant of the genus Polygonum found in Asia and North America. However, the effects of P. cuspidatum aqueous extract (PCE) on hyperosmolarity-induced inflammation and apoptosis in human corneal epithelial cells have not been examined.
Methods and Results : Hyperosmotic media induced human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) cytotoxicity though increased inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. PCE treatment significantly inhibited expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α), and activation of NF-κB p65 in hyperosmolar stress-induced HCECs. In addition, Hyperosmolarity-induced increase in BAX expression and activation of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and caspase 3 were attenuated in a concentration-dependent manner by PCE. PCE treatment restored anti-oxidative proteins such as Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in hyperosmolar stress-induced HCECs.
Conclusion : PCE protected against hyperosmolar stress-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidation by inhibiting expression of COX-2, BAX, MMP9; activation of NF-κB, caspase 3, and PARP; and increasing expression of MUC4 and anti-oxidative proteins. Overall, our data provide insight into the protective effects of PCE as a candidate for eye health.
