Osmoprotectants suppress the production and activity of matrix metalloproteinases induced by hyperosmolarity in primary human corneal epithelial cells

Purpose Hyperosmolarity has been recognized as a proinflammatory stress in the pathogenesis of dry eye disease. This study investigated the suppressive effect of osmoprotectants (L-carnitine, erythritol, and betaine) on the production and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) exposed to hyperosmotic stress.