Topical Quercetin and Resveratrol Protect the Ocular Surface in Experimental Dry Eye Disease

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin (QCT), resveratrol (RES), and their combination in a dry eye disease (DED) model. Methods: DED was induced by exposing mice to a desiccating stress (DS); 0.01%QCT, 0.1%RES, 0.01%QCT+0.1%RES (QCT+RES) or vehicle were topically applied. Additionally, CD4+ T cells isolated from DS-exposed mice were transferred to athymic recipient mice. Corneal fluorescein staining, tear production and tear cytokine levels were evaluated in DS-exposed mice, and conjunctival CD4+ T cell infiltration was evaluated in recipient mice. Results: Corneal staining increased in DS-exposed mice, being reduced by QCT (p<0.001) and QCT+RES (p<0.05). DS induced an increase of IL-1α concentration that was reduced by QCT, RES and QCT+RES (p<0.05, 0.01 and 0.01, respectively). CD4+ T cells increased in recipients of DS-exposed mice (p<0.05), and was lower in recipients of QCT- and RES-treated mice (p<0.05). Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory effect of polyphenols suggests their topical application for DED.