The Effect of Tranilast on Eotaxin Production in Cultured Conjunctival Fibroblasts

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: The role of chemokines in ocular allergies has already being reported. We previously reported that eotaxin is produced by conjunctival fibroblasts and keratocytes on stimulation with Th2 cytokines. Tranilast is known to have anti–allergic properties; however the precise mechanisms of its action have not been fully clarified. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effect of tranilast on eotaxin production from cultured conjunctival fibroblasts. Methods: Conjunctival fibroblasts obtained from normal patients were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium. On third passage, the cells were transferred to a 96–well plate and after starvation for 24 hours TNF–α , IL–4 and tranilast or dexamethasone were added. After 48 hours, the concentrations of eotaxin in the supernatants were measured by ELISA and the cells were tested for eotaxin expression by real–time PCR. Results: Eotaxin production was observed on simultaneous stimulation with TNF–αand IL–4. This production was inhibited by both tranilast and dexamethasone. Inhibition of eotaxin expression was also observed by real–time PCR. Conclusions: Eotaxin production from conjunctival fiboblasts was inhibited by both tranilast and dexamethasone. These results suggest that the anti–allergic effect of tranilast may partly be due to the inhibition of eotaxin production from conjunctival fibroblasts.

Keywords: cornea: stroma and keratocytes • cytokines/chemokines • drug toxicity/drug effects