PEDF plus DHA modulate inflammation and stimulate nerve regeneration after HSV-1 infection

• DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2017.06.015
• Publication Date: 2017-06-21T00:33:06Z
• Authors: Jiucheng He; Donna Neumann; Azucena Kakazu; Thang Luong Pham; Farhana Musarrat; M. Soledad Cortina; Haydee E.P. Bazan
• Keywords: PEDF; Corneal inflammation

Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infection leads to impaired corneal sensation and, in severe cases, ulceration, melting and perforation. Here, we explore the potential therapeutic action of pigment epithelial-derived factor (PEDF) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on inflammation nerve regeneration following HSV-1 infection. Rabbits inoculated with 100,000 PFU/eye strain 17Syn+ were treated PEDF + DHA or vehicle. treatment resulted a biphasic immune response stronger infiltration CD4+T cells, neutrophils macrophages at 7-days post-treatment (p.t.) that was significantly decreased by 14 days, compared vehicle-treated group. Screening immune-related genes q-PCR showed induced higher expression IFN-γ CCL20 inhibition IL-18 7 days cornea. DHA-treated animals developed less dendritic lesions, opacity neovascularization. Corneal density increased 12-weeks p.t. functional recovery sensation. Treatment postponed 3 weeks also when Our data demonstrate promotes resolution inflammatory most importantly, induces damaged nerves vital for maintaining ocular surface homeostasis.