The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1 beta in the conjunctiva and the association between inflammatory cytokines and PPAR-gamma in dry eye mice. Dry eye was induced in 6-week-old female C57 mice. mRNA expression of PPAR-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta were measured. PPAR-gamma protein expression in the conjunctiva, and the contents of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta in the conjunctiva and tear-wash fluid were determined. A PPAR-gamma agonist, pioglitazone (PIO), was used to treat dry eye mice. Dry eye mice presented with similar manifestations as in humans. The PPAR-gamma expression in the conjunctiva of dry eye mice was downregulated, accompanied by increased contents of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta. PIO treatment markedly reduced the contents of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta in tear fluid of dry eye mice. Following PIO treatment, the PPAR-gamma expression increased markedly. PIO may activate PPAR-gamma to inhibit the expression of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta in dry eye mice. This suppresses the inflammatory progression, increases the tear fluid production, elevates the tear film stability and reduces the damage to the ocular surface, exerting a therapeutic effect on dry eye.
[1]Tongji Univ, Shanghai Peoples Hosp 10, Dept Ophthalmol, Shanghai 200072, Peoples R China.
[2]Fudan Univ, Huashan Hosp, Dept Ophthalmol, Shanghai 200040, Peoples R China.
[3]Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ, Ruijin Hosp, Luwan Branch, Dept Ophthalmol, Shanghai 200020, Peoples R China.
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