Dietary α-lipoic acid prevents UVB-induced corneal and conjunctival degeneration through multiple effects.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of dietary α-lipoic acid (α-LA) against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced corneal and conjunctival degeneration in a mouse model. METHODS: Female CBA mice were randomly divided into five study groups, including blank control, UVB without α-LA, and UVB with dietary α-LA at 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg body weight. Following UVB exposure, corneal surfaces were assessed along with immunohistochemistry for nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, and P63⁺ basal cell distribution. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activities were determined by gelatin zymography. ELISA assay was performed to confirm the findings of immunohistochemistry for NF-κB, COX-2, and MDA, along with the levels of TNF-α and IL-6. Tear production and goblet cell density were determined after tear strip assay and periodic acid Schiff staining, respectively. RESULTS: The results showed that UVB irradiation caused corneal surface damage, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, and loss of P63⁺ basal cells. Dietary α-LA ameliorated the UVB-induced corneal damage while simultaneously reducing MDA accumulation and maintaining P63⁺ basal cell survival. NF-κB-p65, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and MMP-9 activity were all reduced by dietary α-LA. In addition, α-LA helped to reverse aqueous tear reduction, conjunctival squamous epithelium metaplasia, and goblet cell loss after UVB exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary α-LA can prevent UVB-induced corneal damage and can be used as a prophylactic agent prior to excessive UVB exposure.