Dexamethasone and MicroRNA-204 Inhibit Corneal Neovascularization

Abstract

Introduction: This was an in vivo animal study designed to investigate the interaction between dexamethasone (Dex) and microRNA-204 (miR-204) in a mouse alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV) model. The function of miR-204 was then investigated in human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) in vitro. Materials and Methods: The CNV model was induced by corneal alkali burn in BLAB/c mice. The mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control (Ctrl), alkali burn-induced corneal injury (Alkali), alkali burn + Dex (Dex), alkali burn + negative control (NTC), and alkali burn + miR-204 agomir (miR-204). Subconjunctival injection of NTC, Dex, or miR-204 agomir was conducted at 0, 3, and 6 days, respectively, after alkali burn. The corneas were collected at day 7 after injury, and the CNV area was observed using immunofluorescence staining. The expression of miR-204 was analyzed with quantitative real time (qRT)-PCR. In HMECs, exogenous miR-204 agomir or antagomir was used to strengthen or inhibit the expression of miR-204. Migration assays and tube formation studies were conducted to evaluate the function of miR-204 on HMECs. Results: At 7 days post-alkali burn, CNV grew aggressively into the cornea. MicroRNA-204 expression was reduced in the Alkali group in contrast with the Ctrl group (P = .003). However, miR-204 was upregulated in the Dex group (vs. alkali group, P = .008). The CNV areas in the NTC and miR-204 groups were 59.30 ± 8.32% and 25.60 ± 2.30%, respectively (P = .002). In vitro, miR-204 agomir showed obvious inhibition on HMEC migration in contrast with NTC (P = .033) and miR-204 antagomir (P = .017). Compared with NTC, miR-204 agomir attenuated tube formation, while miR-204 antagomir accelerated HMEC tube formation (P < .05). Conclusion: The role of Dex in attenuating CNV may be partly attributed to miR-204. MiR-204 may be a potential therapeutic target in alkali burn-induced CNV.