Subconjunctival injection of tumor necrosis factor-α pre-stimulated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells enhances anti-inflammation and anti-fibrosis in ocular alkali burns

Purpose To investigate the therapeutic effect of subconjunctival injection of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) pre-stimulated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) on ocular alkali burns in a rat model. Methods After applying a 6 mm filter paper soaking in 1 N NaOH on the cornea of rats, the suspension of TNF‐α pre-stimulated BMMSCs, BMMSCs and PBS were given subconjunctivally and respectively. Corneal epithelial defect, corneal opacity, inflammation as well as PTGS2 and TSG-6 expression on day 7 and fibrosis on day 14 were compared. Results TNF‐α pre-stimulated BMMSCs group had a more predominate effect on promoting corneal epithelial repairing, decreasing corneal opacity, reducing inflammatory cells and CD68 + macrophages on day 7 and suppressing fibrosis on day 14 compared to BMMSCs group. Besides, it had significant increased expressions of PTGS2 and TSG-6 in vitro . Pre-treated with Indomethacin revealed a reverse effect on above-mentioned changes. Conclusion Subconjunctival injection of TNF‐α pre-stimulated BMMSCs enhanced anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effect in ocular alkali burns, which was possibly though up regulation of PTGS2 and TSG-6 expression.