Human amniotic membrane extracts have anti-inflammatory effects on damaged human corneal epithelial cells in vitro

Abstract

The human amniotic membrane has therapeutic potential for several diseases such as cardiac ischemia, liver fibrosis, and ocular surface disorders. In the treatment of ocular surface disorders, human amniotic membrane transplantation promotes epithelial wound healing and suppresses inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine whether human amniotic membrane extracts (HAE) help damaged corneal epithelial cells recover from an inflammatory response. Human corneal epithelial cells (hCEC) which were induced inflammation were treated with human amniotic membrane extracts, and then the levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured. Human amniotic membrane extracts had an anti-inflammatory effect on damaged human corneal epithelial cells. More importantly, homogenized human amniotic membrane extracts of less than 3 kDa had a greater capacity for reducing inflammation and secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Thus, these results indicate that the use of human amniotic membrane extracts is a promising treatment for ocular surface disorders accompanied by inflammation.