The Effectiveness of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Eye Drops to Interleukin -۱ß and Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-۹ Expression in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Keratitis: An In Vitro Approach

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis is the most prevalent eye infection, known to potentially lead to endophthalmitis and corneal perforation. Although antibiotic therapy effectively eliminates the bacteria, the damage induced by toxins in the cornea persists, resulting in corneal thinning, perforation, or fibrosis. The healing process of the corneal wound is influenced by Interleukin-۱β and matrix metalloproteinase-۹ (MMP-۹). Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), possessing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties found in Camellia sinensis extract, holds promise as an adjuvant therapy for bacterial keratitis. This study aims to analyze the expression of Interleukin-۱β and matrix metalloproteinase-۹ (MMP-۹) in a keratitis model induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection following the administration of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) eye drops (an experimental study conducted on Rattus norvegicus rat models).Methods: The experimental study utilized samples of Rattus norvegicus corneas, previously induced to form keratitis models, with ۶ samples each in the negative control group, Moxifloxacin group, and combined Moxifloxacin and EGCG group. Results: The percentage of Interleukin-۱β expression in the combined EGCG and Moxifloxacin group was lower compared to the Moxifloxacin group. The results indicated a significant difference in the Interleukin-۱β expression among the test groups (p < ۰.۰۵). The post hoc test revealed significant differences between the Moxifloxacin group and the combined EGCG group (p < ۰.۰۵), as well as between the negative control group and the combined EGCG group (p < ۰.۰۵). The mean percentage of MMP-۹ expression in the combined EGCG group was lower than that in the Moxifloxacin group. The One-way ANOVA test indicated a significant difference among the three treatment groups (p < ۰.۰۵).Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in the expression of Interleukin-۱β and MMP-۹ in animal models of keratitis induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection following the administration of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) eye drops.

Keywords:

Epigallocatechin gallate Interleukin , ۱β Keratitis MMP , ۹