Apigenin ameliorates ocular surface lesions in a rat model of dry eye disease

To study the effects of apigenin on dry eye disease (DED) in rats. Rats were divided into six groups: (I) normal control group, (II) DED control group, (III) vehicle control group, (IV) DED + apigenin 10 mg/kg, (V) DED + apigenin 20 mg/kg, and (VI) DED + apigenin 50 mg/kg. Schirmer test, tear film break-up time (BUT), and corneal fluorescein staining were used to evaluate the effects of apigenin on the ocular surface. The related inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histopathological examination and inflammatory index were also performed. The results showed that administration of apigenin was shown a significant effect on the recovery of ocular surface function. Compared to the control group, apigenin treatment in DED rats significantly decreased the level of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6); however, the interleukin-10 (IL-10) level was increased. Histopathological examination further verified the anti-inflammatory effects of apigenin on DED rats. The results demonstrated that apigenin could protect DED rats via inhibition of inflammation, suggesting that it may have potential as a therapy for DED.