Wogonoside alleviates hyperosmotic stress-induced inflammation and apoptosis in human corneal epithelial cells via PI3K/AKT signaling - Report - MDSpire

Wogonoside alleviates hyperosmotic stress-induced inflammation and apoptosis in human corneal epithelial cells via PI3K/AKT signaling

  • By

  • Yuan Zhong

  • Jian Shi

  • Xi Long

  • Xiyuan Liu

  • Lihao Chen

  • Jun Peng

  • Qinghua Peng

  • May 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Wogonoside Reduces Inflammation and Cell Death in HCE-T Cells

Overview

Wogonoside (WGS) demonstrates protective effects against hyperosmotic stress in human corneal epithelial cells by enhancing cell viability and reducing inflammation through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This suggests its potential as a therapeutic candidate for dry eye-related epithelial injury.

Background

Dry eye disease is a common ocular surface disorder that significantly impacts quality of life and can lead to severe complications. Hyperosmotic stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of dry eye, promoting inflammation and apoptosis in corneal epithelial cells. Understanding the mechanisms by which compounds like WGS can mitigate these effects is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Data Highlights

ParameterEffect of WGS
Cell ViabilityImproved
ApoptosisReduced
IL-1β LevelsDecreased
IL-6 LevelsDecreased
MMP-9 LevelsDecreased

Key Findings

  • WGS improved cell viability and proliferation in hyperosmotic HCE-T cells.
  • WGS reduced levels of inflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-9.
  • The protective effects of WGS were associated with the restoration of PI3K/AKT signaling.
  • AKT1 was identified as a candidate target for WGS through network pharmacology and molecular docking.
  • Inhibition of AKT signaling with MK-2206 partially attenuated the protective effects of WGS.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that WGS may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for managing dry eye disease by targeting hyperosmotic stress-induced inflammation and apoptosis. Further research is warranted to validate these effects in vivo and explore the potential of WGS in clinical settings.

Conclusion

Wogonoside shows promise in alleviating hyperosmotic stress-related injury in corneal epithelial cells, primarily through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This positions WGS as a potential candidate for further investigation in the treatment of dry eye disease.

Related Resources & Content

  1. the ophthalmologist, The Ophthalmologist, 2026 -- Colonizing Corneal Healing
  2. Ophthalmology Management, Ophthalmology Management, 2018 -- Dry eye therapy: What’s in the Pipeline
  3. the ophthalmologist, The Ophthalmologist, 2026 -- More Than Nerves: Rethinking NK Pathology
  4. Journal of Gastroenterology, Journal of Gastroenterology, 2024 -- Inhibition of WWP1 Reduces Pancreatic Cancer Cell Growth through Modulation of the PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway
  5. TFOS DEWS III, ScienceDirect, 2025 -- Executive Summary
  6. Safety and Efficacy of 0.1% Cyclosporine Solutions in Dry Eye Syndrome, 2025 -- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
  7. Hyperosmolarity-Induced Oxidative Stress Leads to Senescence in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells, 2024 -- via DNA Damage, Metabolic Disturbance and Mitophagy Decline
  8. TFOS DEWS III: Executive Summary - ScienceDirect
  9. Safety and Efficacy of 0.1% Cyclosporine Solutions in Dry Eye Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials - Yuri Aleksander-Ivanov, Dillan Cunha Amaral, Lidia Cheidde, Gabriel Nery Lima, Carolina Carvalho Soares Valentim, Michel Sebba Chater, Denisse J. Mora-Paez, Jaime Guedes, 2025
  10. Hyperosmolarity-Induced Oxidative Stress Leads to Senescence in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells (HCEPC) via DNA Damage, Metabolic Disturbance and Mitophagy Decline

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