Calcitriol inhibits ROS-NLRP3-IL-1? signaling axis via activation of Nrf2-antioxidant signaling in hyperosmotic stress stimulated human corneal epithelial cells.
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE:The activation of ROS-NLRP3-IL-1? signaling axis induced by hyperosmotic stress (HS) has been recognized as a key priming stage of epithelial inflammation in dry eye pathogenesis. The current study aims to investigate whether calcitriol, the active metabolite of vitamin D3, could protect cells against HS-induced inflammation through modulating this critical step. METHODS:Human corneal epithelial cells (iHCECs) were cultured in hyperosmotic medium (450 mOsM) with various concentrations of calcitriol. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down the expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in iHCECs. NLRP3 activation and IL-1? generation were detected by RT-qPCR or ELISA, respectively. Oxidative stress markers including ROS and 8-OHdG were examined by fluorometric analysis. The nuclear translocation of NRF2 was assessed by western blotting. RESULTS:Calcitriol could protect cells against HS-induced injury through inhibiting ROS-NLRP3-IL-1? signaling axis. Calcitriol remarkably suppressed the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome related genes and the production of IL-1? in cells that were exposed to HS. It could also significantly attenuate HS-induced oxidative stress, shown as the reduced intracellular ROS generation and 8-OHdG staining cells after calcitriol treatment. Calcitriol induced the translocation of NRF2 to the nucleus, and thereby triggered the expression of several antioxidant enzymes. CONCLUSION:The current study indicated that calcitriol could inhibit the priming stage of HS-induced cellular inflammation, highlighting its potential capacity to prevent and mitigate dry eye related corneal inflammation at an earlier stage.
SUBMITTER: Dai Y
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6313824 | biostudies-other | 2019 Feb
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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