EPC-K1 May Inhibit Conjunctival Eosinophilic Inflammation

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Anti-allergic effects of Vitamin C and E have been reported. In this study, we studied the effects of EPC-K1 (vitamin E and C with phosphate linkage), a novel antioxidant, on eosinophil migration and eotaxin production from human conjunctival fibroblasts. Methods: The effect of eosinophil migration in response to eotaxin was measured using a 48-well Boyden chamber. Eosinophils treated with EPC-K1 at 10(-6) M were subjected to flow-cytometric analysis for CCR-3, and IL-5-stimulated eosinophil- derived neurotoxin (EDN) release was also examined. The effect of EPC-K1on eotaxin production from human conjunctival fibroblasts treated with IL-4 and TNF-alpha was also evaluated. Results: EPC-K1 significantly attenuated the eosinophil migration induced by eotaxin. Vitamin C also had a similar effect on migration. Although CCR-3 expression on eosinophils treated by EPC-K1 did not change, EDN release induced by IL-5 was decreased. In addition, eotaxin production from conjunctival fibroblasts simultaneously stimulated with IL-4 and TNF-alpha was also inhibited by EPC-K1. Vitamin E also had a similar effect on eotaxin production. Conclusion: These results indicate that EPC-K1 may directly attenuate eosinophilic inflammation. EPC-K1 may be a promising agent for clinical use in allergic eye disorders.

Keywords: conjunctiva • conjunctivitis • cornea: basic science