Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 27, 2024 3 months, 3 weeks, 5 days, 17 hours, 47 minutes ago
Ophthalmology Updates: Researchers from Gyeongsang National University and Korea University have made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of dry eye disease (DED), unveiling the promising potential of Diquafosol Tetrasodium (DQS). This
Ophthalmology Updates news report delves into the study's findings, shedding light on how DQS could revolutionize the way we manage this widespread ocular condition.
Diquafosol - A New Hope for Dry Eye Sufferers
Understanding Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease is a common ailment affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to inflammation and damage to the eye's surface. Symptoms include discomfort, redness, and blurred vision. Various treatments are available, including artificial tears and medications like cyclosporine A (CsA) and Diquafosol Tetrasodium (DQS), but each has its own set of limitations and mechanisms of action.
The Study's Aim
The team of researchers, led by Dr. Chieun Song and colleagues, aimed to compare the therapeutic mechanisms of CsA and DQS. Using an experimental model of DED, they investigated how these drugs influence corneal wound healing and cellular health under conditions of hyperosmolarity, a key factor in DED.
Key Findings
Restoring Cell Viability and Reducing Damage
The study found that both CsA and DQS effectively restored cell viability and promoted wound healing in corneal epithelial cells exposed to hyperosmolar stress. This condition mimics the high salt concentration in tears seen in DED patients, which leads to cell damage and impaired healing.
Reducing Inflammation
CsA and DQS both reduced the expression of inflammation-related genes such as il-1β, il-1α, and il-6. However, CsA was more effective in suppressing other inflammatory markers like Tnf-α, c1q, and il-17a. This highlights CsA's superior anti-inflammatory properties compared to DQS.
Preventing Apoptosis
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is another critical aspect of DED pathology. The study demonstrated that hyperosmotic stress increased the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax while decreasing anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Both CsA and DQS mitigated these effects, reducing apoptosis and thereby preserving corneal cell integrity.
Promoting Wound Healing
One of the standout findings was DQS's ability to significantly enhance corneal wound healing. The researchers discovered that DQS increased the expression and extracellular release of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein crucial for cell survival and repair. This effect was more pronounced with DQS compared to CsA, suggesting that DQS may be particularly beneficial in promoting corneal repair processes.
Implicat
ions for Treatment
These findings suggest that while CsA is highly effective in reducing inflammation, DQS has a unique advantage in promoting corneal epithelial healing through NGF-mediated pathways. Therefore, the choice of treatment for DED may depend on the specific clinical presentation of the disease. Patients with significant inflammation might benefit more from CsA, whereas those needing enhanced wound healing could find DQS more effective.
Future Directions
The study opens new avenues for personalized treatment approaches in DED. Combining CsA and DQS or tailoring therapies based on individual patient profiles could optimize treatment outcomes. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which DQS facilitates NGF release and to explore its potential in combination therapies.
Conclusion
The research conducted by Gyeongsang National University and Korea University presents a promising advancement in the treatment of dry eye disease. By highlighting the distinct roles of CsA and DQS, it paves the way for more targeted and effective therapies, potentially improving the quality of life for millions of DED sufferers.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Cells.
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/13/15/1251
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/dry-eye-syndrome:-symptoms,-causes-and-treatments-
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