Apricot Kernel Extract and Amygdalin Inhibit Urban Particulate Matter-Induced Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca.
Molecules
; 24(3)2019 Feb 12.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30759852
ABSTRACT
Exposure to particulate matter is a risk factor for various ocular surface diseases, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). In this study, we investigated the protective effects of apricot kernel extract (AKE) and its bioactive compound, amygdalin, on KCS induced by exposure to urban particulate matter (UPM). In the in vivo experiments, eye drops containing 0.5 mg/mL AKE (AKE-0.5) or 1 mg/mL AKE (AKE-1) were administered directly into the eyes of female rats after UPM exposure. Additionally, the effect of AKE and amygdalin on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity and the expressions of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, was investigated in conjunctival epithelial cells in vitro. Topical administration of AKE-1 attenuated UPM exposure-induced reduction of tear secretion. Both AKE-0.5 and AKE-1 inhibited UPM exposure-induced corneal epithelial damage and irregularity. AKE also protected against UPM exposure-induced disruption of the mucin-4 layer on the ocular surface. In addition, AKE and amygdalin prevented UPM-induced activation of MMPs and upregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 in conjunctival epithelial cells. Therefore, AKE may have protective effects against UPM exposure-induced KCS via the inhibition of MMPs and inflammation. The pharmacological activities of AKE may be in part due to its bioactive compound, amygdalin.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Plant Extracts
/
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
/
Particulate Matter
/
Prunus armeniaca
/
Amygdalin
Type of study:
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Molecules
Journal subject:
BIOLOGIA
Year:
2019
Document type:
Article