Anti-inflammatory effects of astaxanthin against fungal keratitis

Abstract:

AIM: To characterize effect of astaxanthin (ASX) in Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) induced keratitis in mouse model. METHODS: In vivo, fungal keratitis mouse model was established in C57BL/6 mice using A. fumigatus, followed by ASX or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment. Clinical responses were evaluated by clinical score and myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. Inflammatory cytokines were assessed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: In animal model, ASX improved corneal transparency and clinical response, suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokine like IL-1β, TNF-α, and HMGB-1. Neutrophil levels have been shown to decrease in ASX-treated cornea by immunofluorescence and MPO. TLR2 and TLR4 levels were lower in ASX-treated group than DMSO-treated. CONCLUSION: ASX can suppress inflammatory response and reduce inflammatory cytokine production in mice model with A. fumigatus keratitis.