Inhibition of Zymosan-Induced Inflammatory Factors Expression by ATRA Nanostructured Lipid Carriers

Abstract EN

Purpose.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of all-trans retinoic acid-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (ATRA-NLCs) on the zymosan-induced expression of the cytokines IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ and the matrix metalloproteinases/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (MMPs/TIMPs) and TLR2 in rabbit corneal fibroblasts (RCFs).

Methods.

ATRA-NLCs were prepared by emulsification.

RCFs were isolated and harvested after four to seven passages in monolayer culture.

Cytokine release (IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ) induced by zymosan was analyzed by cytokine release assay, reverse transcription, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis detection.

MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, and TLR2 expression were analyzed by immunoblotting.

Results.

ATRA-NLCs were resistant to light and physically stable, and the average size of the ATRA-NLCs was 200 nm.

ATRA-NLCs increased the zymosan-induced release of IL-4 and IL-10 and decreased the release of IFN-γ by RCFs.

ATRA-NLCs decreased the levels of TLR2 and MMPs/TIMPs above.

Conclusions.

ATRA may be a potent anti-inflammatory agent for the therapy of fungal keratitis (FK).