title: Effects of an ophthalmic formulation of meloxicam on COX-2 expression, PGE2 release, and cytokine expression in a model of acute ocular inflammation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the efficacy of meloxicam ophthalmic formulation on COX-2 activity and expression, inflammation-related cytokines expression and inflammation in an ocular inflammation model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ocular inflammation was induced in New Zealand rabbits by topical application of croton oil (3%) for 3 h. An ophthalmic solution of 0.03% meloxicam, 0.1% sodium diclofenac or vehicle (Sophisen) was administered every 4 h. Conjunctiva, cornea, aqueous humour and vitreous humour were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In irritated eyes, 72 h of meloxicam treatment downregulated COX-2 expression and activity (mRNA by RT-PCR and PGE2 levels by ELISA, respectively) in a time-dependent manner and reduced inflammation. Meanwhile, diclofenac failed to reduce COX-2 mRNA or PGE2 to basal levels after 7 days of treatment. Meloxicam treatment downregulated IL-6 and IFN-gamma expression in the conjunctiva and IL-1beta and TNF-alpha expression in the cornea. Diclofenac failed to modify these cytokines in both tissues. Meloxicam treatment increased the expression of IL-6 in conjunctiva, and IL-10 in cornea, while diclofenac had no effect on these cytokines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Meloxicam treatment was more efficient than diclofenac in downregulating the expression and activity of COX-2, reducing inflammation, and modifying the inflammatory-related cytokines.
authors.affiliation: Sección Externa de Toxicología, CINVESTAV, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico DF, 07360, Mexico.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cruz
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Quintana-Hau
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: González
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tornero-Montaño
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Baiza-Durán
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vega
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000378:metabolism; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D003436:Croton Oil; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000378:metabolism*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D000077239:Meloxicam; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D011817:Rabbits; D013843:Thiazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016207:Cytokines; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013843:Thiazines; D013844:Thiazoles; D003436:Croton Oil; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D015232:Dinoprostone; D000077239:Meloxicam