The efficacy of ethanol extract of Diospyros kaki (EEDK) on dry eye (DE) was determined using an experimental mouse model. Experimental groups included three treated with various amounts of EEDK and one treated with omega-3 for 2 weeks. Damage to the ocular surface was evaluated, and the presence of conjunctival goblet cells was determined. Moreover, the inflammatory response was analyzed via RT-PCR analysis and a reporter gene assay. Fluorescein staining intensity decreased in the EEDK treatment group, and goblet cell density increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated in human corneal epithelial cells treated with Pam3Cys-Ser-(Lys)-4. However, pro-inflammatory cytokines were downregulated at the mRNA level upon treatment with EEDK. Furthermore, EEDK regulated Pam3CSK4-induced gene expression through interferon regulatory factors. EEDK effectively improves the conjunctival goblet cell density and reduces the inflammatory response by reducing interferon regulatory factor activation downstream of Toll-like receptors in DE. Therefore, EEDK could be beneficial agents for preventing and treating DE.

中文翻译：

---

柿叶的效果（柿）对实验性干眼模型杯状细胞密度和炎症

使用实验小鼠模型确定柿柿乙醇提取物（EEDK）对干眼症（DE）的功效。实验组包括三个用不同量的EEDK处理的药物，一个用omega-3处理2周的药物。评价对眼表的损伤，并确定结膜杯状细胞的存在。此外，通过RT-PCR分析和报告基因测定法分析了炎症反应。EEDK治疗组的荧光素染色强度降低，杯状细胞密度以剂量依赖性方式显着增加。在用Pam3Cys-Ser-（Lys）-4处理的人角膜上皮细胞中，促炎细胞因子被上调。但是，用EEDK处理后，促炎细胞因子在mRNA水平上被下调。此外，EEDK通过干扰素调节因子调节Pam3CSK4诱导的基因表达。EEDK通过减少DE中Toll样受体下游的干扰素调节因子激活，有效改善结膜杯状细胞密度并减少炎症反应。因此，EEDK可能是预防和治疗DE的有益药物。