Inflammatory Factors Predicting Dry Eye Syndrome in a Model Using Osmotic Pressure

Purpose: To identify inflammatory factors that may serve as biomarkers for dry eye syndrome using a hyperosmotic dry eye syndrome model.Methods: Cultured human conjunctival epithelial cells were subjected to 400, 450, 500, and 550 mOsm/L NaCl, and cell viability was assessed in response to osmolarity. The relative expression of inflammatory factors was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 according to the NaCl concentration.Results: An increase in the concentration of NaCl led to a notable decrease in cell viability (p < 0.05). IL-8, TNF-α, and MMP-9 expression levels increased significantly in proportion to NaCl concentration (p < 0.05).Conclusions: IL-8, TNF-α, and MMP-9 may serve as effective biomarkers in dry eye studies.