Effect of persimmon leaves (Diospyros kaki) on goblet cell density and inflammation in experimental dry eye model

Abstract

The efficacy of ethanol extract of Diospyros kaki (EEDK) on dry eye (DE) was determined using an experimental mouse model. Experimental groups included three treated with various amounts of EEDK and one treated with omega-3 for 2 weeks. Damage to the ocular surface was evaluated, and the presence of conjunctival goblet cells was determined. Moreover, the inflammatory response was analyzed via RT-PCR analysis and a reporter gene assay. Fluorescein staining intensity decreased in the EEDK treatment group, and goblet cell density increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated in human corneal epithelial cells treated with Pam3Cys-Ser-(Lys)-4. However, pro-inflammatory cytokines were downregulated at the mRNA level upon treatment with EEDK. Furthermore, EEDK regulated Pam3CSK4-induced gene expression through interferon regulatory factors. EEDK effectively improves the conjunctival goblet cell density and reduces the inflammatory response by reducing interferon regulatory factor activation downstream of Toll-like receptors in DE. Therefore, EEDK could be beneficial agents for preventing and treating DE.

Persimmon Leaves (Diospyros kaki) Extract Enhances the Viability of Human Corneal Endothelial Cells by Improving Na+-K+-ATPase Activity

“…However, the exact mechanism through which EEDK influences the activity of the Na + /K + -ATPase is unknown, and more research is needed to uncover the relevant pathways. Secondly, EEDK has been shown to have anti-inflammatory [20][21][22][23][24] as well as antioxidant effects [17,24]. As can be concluded from our study, EEDK enables HCECs to maintain Na + /K + -ATPase activity, which is responsible for lessening the stromal inflammation [12][13][14] and it most likely follows an anti-inflammatory mechanism here.…”

“…kaki leaves have been studied to have multiple nutritional and medicinal benefits. EEDK has been considered an effective drug against glaucoma and it enhances retinal cell survival by decreasing apoptotic proteins [29] and inflammation [22,30]. So, we hypothesized that EEDK might facilitate HCECs viability and improve Na + /K + -ATPase functions (enzyme activity and protein expression).…”

“…EEDK is rich in flavonoids [19], which have been proved to exhibit anti-inflammatory activities in various cells and animal models [20,21]. Previously, EEDK was reported to have anti-inflammatory effects on a dry-eye model [22][23][24] and it is known that corneal epithelial cells are vulnerable to any stress. So, we hypothesized that EEDK might help HCECs to improve their viability and Na + /K + -ATPase activity under stress conditions.…”

Utilisation of Diospyros kaki L. (persimmon) as a functional ingredient to produce functional foods: a review

“…Persimmons has been identified as a food that holds the capacity to provide various potential health and nutritional benefits to human beings. Reportedly, they are effective in improving eye health (Kim et al , 2020), cognitive function (Tian et al , 2011), metabolism (Izuchi et al , 2011) and immune system (Butt et al , 2015); reducing the signs of ageing (Yokozawa et al , 2014); alleviating a range of cancers (Butt et al , 2015); lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels (Esteban-Muñoz et al , 2020) and strengthening bones (Hwang et al , 2018). Additionally, Persimmons have been found effective in weight reduction, faster healing of wounds, reduce inflammation and enhanced blood circulation throughout the body (Arslan and Bayrakçi, 2016; Kashif et al , 2017).…”

Integrated Metabolomic-Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Diverse Resource of Functional Ingredients From Persimmon Leaves of Different Varieties

“…Due to their enrichment in flavonoids, persimmon leaves have been used as traditional Chinese medicine for a long time to treat ischemia stroke, internal hemorrhage, atherosclerosis, angina, hypertension, and some other infectious diseases ( Chang et al, 2019 ). On the other hand, persimmon leaves have also been used as an ingredient of herbal beverages for centuries in eastern Asia because they are beneficial to human health and their various components have health-promoting effects ( Chen et al, 2009 ; Yaqub et al, 2016 ; Hossain et al, 2018 ; Kim et al, 2020 ). Persimmon leaf tea has become increasingly popular in Asian countries, such as China, Japan, and South Korea.…”