Abstract
Purpose :
We previously reported that microRNA (miR) 16-5p were increased in tears of patients with Sjogren’s syndrome compared to controls. In this study, we intend to investigate the effect of topical miR-16-5p mimic and inhibitor in a mouse model of inflammation-related dry eye syndrome.
Methods :
We used 11-week-old NOD.B10.H2b mice, a model for primary Sjögren's syndrome. We measured baseline ocular staining score and tear production. And we topically applied miR-16-5p mimic, miR-16-5p inhibitor or the same volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) four times a day for 1 week to both eyes of the mice. Seven days later, tear production was measured, and the corneal surface was observed for epithelial defects. The number of goblet cells was evaluated in the forniceal conjunctiva. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines were analyzed in the cornea, conjunctiva, and lacrimal glands.
Results :
Topical miR-16-5p mimic increased ocular staining score in NOD.B10.H2b mice than PBS. And topical miR-16-5p inhibitor administration improved tear production and reduced corneal epithelial defects. The conjunctival goblet cell density was higher in miR-16-5p inhibitor treated eyes than in miR-16-5p mimic or PBS treated eyes. Mir-16-5p mimic increased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the cornea, conjunctiva, and intraorbital gland and miR-16-5p inhibitor suppressed them.
Conclusions :
Inhibition of miR-16-5p had the effect of protecting the ocular surface and suppressing inflammation.
This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.