Melatonin Ameliorates Desiccation Stress-Induced Ocular Inflammation in an In Vitro Model by Activating the Nrf2 Pathway.

ABSTRACT: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular disorder marked by tear film instability, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Although melatonin is known to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, its precise role in regulating desiccation-induced stress responses at the ocular surface has not been well defined. In particular, the involvement of the Nrf2 signalling pathway in melatonin-mediated protection against corneal epithelial inflammation under tear film instability remains unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of melatonin in a human corneal epithelial cell (HCEC) model mimicking desiccation stress. Melatonin treatment significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and upregulated antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT) and hem

SUBMITTER: Lim HS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12530958 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature