Aloin alleviates corneal injury in alkali burn via inhibiting neutrophil extracellular traps and promoting Nrf2.

OBJECTIVE

Ocular chemical burns are a leading cause of blindness. The cornea is injured by alkali-induced oxidative disturbances and an inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of aloin, an antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory compound, on corneal alkali burn.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice eyes were injured by NaOH and subsequently treated with aloin eye drop and intraperitoneal injection. Pathological characteristics of the eyes were examined, and corneal samples were collected for further analysis.

RESULTS

Aloin diminished neutrophil infiltration and the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Aloin also attenuated apoptosis in human corneal epithelial cells (HCEs) by reducing oxidative stress through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway. Additionally, aloin suppressed the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and inhibited their deposition on the cornea. Moreover, aloin mitigated alkali-induced apoptosis in HCEs caused by NETs.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that aloin has potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound for treating corneal alkali burn by inhibiting NETs formation and promoting Nrf2.