Health Potential of Aloe vera against Oxidative Stress Induced Corneal Damage: An "In Vitro" Study.

Ida Ceravolo,Domenica Altavilla,Natasha Irrera,Giorgia Ceravolo,Francesco Squadrito,Federica Mannino,Letteria Minutoli,Giovanni Pallio

doi:10.3390/antiox10020318

Ida Ceravolo, Domenica Altavilla + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10020318

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Abstract

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is characterized by the gradual deterioration of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) and is the most common cause of corneal transplantation worldwide. CECs apoptosis caused by oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of FECD. Antioxidant compounds have been of considerable significance as a candidate treatment in the management of corneal diseases. Based on these findings, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an aloe extract with antioxidant properties, in an “in vitro” model of FECD. Human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells were preincubated with aloe extract 100 μg/mL, two hours before hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stimulus. H2O2 challenge significantly reduced the cell viability, increased the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and malondialdehyde levels. Moreover, m-RNA expression and activity of Nrf-2, Catalase and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) were reduced together with an enhanced expression of IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Furthermore, Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 expression were down-regulated while Bax was up-regulated by H2O2 stimulus. Aloe extract blunted the oxidative stress-induced inflammatory cascade triggered by H2O2 and modulated apoptosis. Aloe extract defends HCE cells from H2O2-induced injury possibly due its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, indicating that eye drops containing aloe extract may be used as an adjunctive treatment for FECD.

Highlights

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of an Aloe vera extract in an “in vitro” model of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) induced by
In previous studies, Aloe vera extract showed the ability to speed up re-epithelialization and minimize fibrosis in superficial corneal lesions [24,41]. In light of these preceding observations, in the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of an extract from Aloe vera in an “in vitro” model of FECD, induced by H2 O2 stimulus
Our results have shown that hydrogen peroxide causes the alteration and apoptosis of corneal endothelial cells according to previous published papers [48,49]

Summary

Introduction

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is characterized by the gradual deterioration of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) and is the most common cause of corneal transplantation worldwide. Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a bilateral hereditary and slowly progressive disease which affects the endothelial layer of the cornea of both eyes. Diagnosis is confirmed through ophthalmological examination, corneal pachymetry ad in-vivo confocal It is characterized by the gradual deterioration of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) developing a characteristic feature (cornea guttate) and is the most common cause of corneal transplantation worldwide [1,2]. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 318 deterioration of corneal endothelial cells and the consequent guttae formation usually start in the centre of the cornea and slowly involves the periphery as well.

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