Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate on Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha and Interleukin-10 Expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Induced Keratitis

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most prevalent cause of keratitis, which can cause progressive corneal injury, scarring, thinning and corneal perforation. Antibiotic treatment alone is inadequate in some cases because the inflammatory process continues even after the bacteria have been eliminated. Anti-inflammatory adjuvant therapy is needed to prevent further complications. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the main polyphenol in Camellia sinensis. EGCG has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are widely recognized. It is known that EGCG acts by inhibiting NF-κB, so it is speculated that the necroptosis process will be reduced due to the TNF-α downregulation and that the wound healing process will begin promptly due to the polarization of M2 macrophages, as indicated by the upregulation of IL-10, therefore, preventing corneal thinning and perforation.