Coal dust contiguity-induced changes in the concentration of TNF-alpha and NF-kappa B p65 on the ocular surface.

To observe the influence of coal dust on ocular surface of coal miners and rabbits with coal dust contiguity on expression TNF-alpha and NF-kappa Bp65 and dry eye occurrence. Tear production, BUT and lysozyme decreased for coal miners and rabbits with coal dust contiguity. Expression TNF-alpha and NF-kappa Bp65 in ocular surface were determined. Results showed tear production, BUT and lysozyme decreased for coal miners and rabbits with coal dust contiguity. Coal dust exposure was linked to development of xerophthalmia, and induced a higher expression of NF-kappa B p65 and TNF-alpha perhaps as a mechanism to resist coal dust ocular surface injury.