The Effect of Candida albicans and Dexamethasone on the Secretion of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha from Cultured Human Keratocytes

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To measure the secretion of TNF-alpha from cultured human keratocytes after inoculation of Candida albicans, and to evaluate the change of secretion of TNF-alpha following application of dexamethasone. METHODS: Human corneal keratocytes were cultured independently in vitro. The specimens were divided into 4 groups Group I with only pure culture as control, Group II with C. albicans, Group III with C. albicans and dexamethasone, and Group IV with only dexamethasone. RESULTS: As a whole, Group II showed the highest secretion of TNF-alpha, followed by Group III, Group I, and Group IV respectively (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Keratocytes with the addition of both C. albicans and dexamethasone, secreted much lower level of TNF-alpha , but showed more proliferation in comparison to keratocytes with addition of C. albicans alone. Therefore, the author may conclude that in fungal keratitis, the early administration of dexamethasone may be beneficial in reducing inflammatory responses induced by increased TNF-alpha secretion. However, because steroids may stimulate the proliferation of fungus leading to tissue damages, more cautious use might be needed.