curcumin and Dry-Eye-Syndromes

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface system whose chore mechanisms are tear film instability, inflammation, tear hyperosmolarity and epithelial damage. In recent years, novel therapies specifically targeting inflammation and oxidative stress are being investigated and used in this field. Therefore, an increasing body of evidence supporting the possible role of different micronutrients and nutraceutical products for the treatment of ocular surface diseases is now available. In the present review, we analyzed in detail the effects on ocular surface of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B12, C, D, selenium, curcumin and flavonoids. Among these, the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in ameliorating DED signs and symptoms is supported by robust scientific evidence. Further long-term clinical trials are warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of the supplementation of the other micronutrients and nutraceuticals.

Topics: Curcumin; Dietary Supplements; Dry Eye Syndromes; Eye; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Female; Flavonoids; Humans; Male; Micronutrients; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Selenium; Vitamins

Increased tear osmolarity is an essential feature of dry eye disease. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol extracted from herb turmeric, has recently been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. However, its anti-inflammatory effects have not been investigated in dry eye disease. It has been reported that elevated osmolarity achieved by adding sodium chloride to the culture medium of corneal epithelial cells increased the production of IL-1beta, a proinflammation cytokine. This in vitro dry eye model was used to test the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin. In the present study, a 450 mOsM hyperosmotic medium was produced by adding sodium chloride to the culture medium to reach a final concentration of 90mM. Human corneal epithelial cells cultured in this hyperosmotic medium for 24h showed an increase of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in the conditioned medium. IL-1beta was also upregulated at mRNA levels. Activation of p38 MAP kinase (p38), JNK MAP kinase (JNK) and NF-kappaB in cultured corneal epithelial cells were also induced by hyperosmotic conditions. Curcumin at concentrations of 1-30muM did not affect the cell viability of cultured corneal epithelial cells. Pretreatment of curcumin (5muM) completely abolished the increased production of IL-1beta induced by the hyperosmotic medium. Increased phosphorylation of p38 caused by high osmolarity was also completely abolished by curcumin, whereas the phosphorylation of JNK was only partially inhibited. SB 203580 (p38 inhibitor), but not SP 600125 (JNK inhibitor), completely suppressed hyperosmoticity-induced IL-1beta production, indicating that the inhibition of production of IL-1beta by curcumin may be achieved through the p38 signal pathway. Curcumin completely abolished a hyperosmoticity-induced increase of NF-kappaB p65. NF-kappaB inhibitor suppressed hyperosmoticity-induced IL-1beta production. p38 inhibitor suppressed hyperosmoticity-induced NF-kappaB activation, indicating that NF-kappaB activation was dependent on p38 activation. The present study suggests that curcumin might have therapeutic potential for treating dry eye disease.

Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Survival; Cells, Cultured; Curcumin; Dry Eye Syndromes; Epithelium, Corneal; Humans; Interleukin-1beta; Interleukin-6; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Models, Biological; Osmolar Concentration; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Phosphorylation; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Saline Solution, Hypertonic; Signal Transduction; Transcription Factor RelA; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Tyrosine