Effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on neutrophils count and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis: an experimental study on Rattus norvegicus rat

Abstract

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/pCACVaojEVMBackground: Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis is a prevalent ocular illness that carries the potential risk of endophthalmitis and corneal perforation. The use of antibiotics effectively eradicates the bacteria; nevertheless, the corneal damage caused by toxins remains unresolved, resulting in the thinning of the cornea, which can ultimately lead to corneal perforation or the development of corneal fibrosis. This study aims to analyze the quantification of neutrophils and the expression levels of interleukin-6 in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis model. Methods: The study used an experimental research design. The research utilized a Rattus norvegicus corneal preparation to establish a keratitis model. Each test group consisted of six samples, including a negative control (solvent), moxifloxacin 0.5%, and a combination of moxifloxacin 0.5% and EGCG at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. Results: The combined group of 0.5% moxifloxacin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) 50 µg/mL exhibited a reduced count of neutrophils compared to the group treated with 0.5% moxifloxacin alone. The findings indicated a statistically significant disparity in the neutrophil count across the various treatment groups (p<0.05). No significant distinction was observed in the neutrophil count between the moxifloxacin 0.5% group and the combination group (p>0.05). The average percentage of IL-6 expression level in the group treated with a combination of 0.5% moxifloxacin and 50 µg/mL EGCG was found to be lower compared to the group treated with only 0.5% moxifloxacin. There was statistically significant variation in the expression of IL-6 across the three treatment groups (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the level of IL-6 expression between the moxifloxacin 0.5% group and the combination group (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this investigation demonstrated that EGCG possesses the capability to serve as an adjunct treatment for the suppression of inflammation in cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis.