Zidovudine protects hyperosmolarity-stressed human corneal epithelial cells via antioxidant pathway

Journal Article · Tue May 15 04:00:00 EDT 2018 · Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.BBRC.2018.03.112· OSTI ID:23137200

Liu, Hui ^[1]; Gambino, Frank ^[2]; Algenio, Crystal; Bouchard, Charles ^[3]; Qiao, Liang ^[2]; Bu, Ping ^[3]; Zhao, Shaozhen ^[1]

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1. Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin Medical University Eye Institute, College of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300384 (China)
2. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Health Sciences Division, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153 (United States)
3. Department of Ophthalmology, Stritch School of Medicine, Health Sciences Division, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153 (United States)

Highlights: • Zidovudine reduces IL-6 production in corneal cells via ROS and NFkB inhibition. • Zidovudine increases viability of corneal cells cultured in hyperosmolar conditions. • Zidovudine may serve as a novel therapeutic in the treatment of Dry Eye Disease. Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a very common disorder that can result in severe disability and vision loss. Although the pathogenesis of DED is not fully understood, hyperosmolarity, inflammation, and tear film instability are recognized as hallmarks of DED. Recently, Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs), a class of medication used to treat HIV, have been shown to inhibit inflammation in a mouse model of retinal atrophy. In this study, we investigated whether Zidovudine (AZT) can inhibit human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) inflammatory responses under hyperosmotic conditions. HCECs were cultured in hyperosmotic media containing AZT. Cell viability, cytokine production, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured. We found that AZT decreased nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, increased Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1) production, decreased ROS production, and increased cell viability. These results support the novel use of AZT in the reduction of ocular surface inflammation and the promotion of corneal health in the context of DED.

• OSTI ID: 23137200
• Journal Information: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Journal Name: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 499; ISSN BBRCA9; ISSN 0006-291X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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