Itaconate derivative eye drops deploy anti-inflammatory effect in treating dry eye models.

Zimeng Zhai, Yiteng Lu, Xujiao Zhou, Xingtao Zhou, Feng Zhou, Jiaxu Hong

Abstract read

In one paragraph

Article in Advances in ophthalmology practice and research. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Zimeng ZhaiDepartment of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disorders, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Yiteng LuDepartment of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disorders, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Xujiao ZhouDepartment of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disorders, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Xingtao ZhouDepartment of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disorders, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Feng ZhouInstitutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Jiaxu HongDepartment of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disorders, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Purposes: To investigate the therapeutic potential of 4-Octyl itaconate (4-OI), a derivative of the endogenous immunomodulator itaconate (ITA), as a safe and effective anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED). Methods: In vitro cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of 4-OI were evaluated in hyperosmotic human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). An in vivo DED model was induced in C57BL/6 mice through environmental controlled chambers. Mice with DED were treated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), 0.05% cyclosporine A (CsA) eye drops, 4-OI eye drops, or a single 4-OI intraperitoneal injection for 14 days. Corneal epithelial defects and tear secretion were assessed. The safety and underlying molecular mechanisms of topical 4-OI were evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting, mRNA sequencing, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Statistical analyses were performed using independent sample Results: Treatment with 4-OI eye drops significantly reduced corneal epithelial defects in DED mice ( Conclusions: The ITA derivative 4-OI demonstrates potential as a safe and effective therapeutic option for alleviating DED by suppressing ocular inflammation through the downregulation of IL-1, IL-17, and TNF signaling pathways.

Indexed as

Anti-inflammatory therapyDry eyeInflammatory vicious cycleItaconic acid derivatives

Identifiers

PMID42094745

DOI10.1016/j.aopr.2026.01.003

PMCPMC13141978

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.