Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and gamma (PPARγ) agonists have anti-inflammatory and anti-neovascularization effects, but few reports have tested the combination of PPARα and PPARγ agonists. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of ophthalmic solutions of agonists of PPARα, PPARγ, and the combination in a rat corneal alkali burn model. After alkali injury, an ophthalmic solution of 0.05% fenofibrate (PPARα group), 0.1% pioglitazone (PPARγ group), 0.05% fenofibrate + 0.1% pioglitazone (PPARα+γ group), or vehicle (vehicle group) was topically instilled onto the rat's cornea twice a day. After instillation, upregulation was seen of PPAR mRNA corresponding to each agonist group. Administration of agonists for PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARα+γ suppressed inflammatory cells, neovascularization, and fibrotic changes. In addition, the PPARγ agonist upregulated M2 macrophages, which contributed to wound healing, whereas the PPARα agonist suppressed immature blood vessels in the early phase. Administration of PPARα+γ agonists showed therapeutic effects in corneal wound healing, combining the characteristics of both PPARα and PPARγ agonists. The results indicate that the combination of PPARα and γ agonists may be a new therapeutic strategy.
Keywords: PPARα; PPARγ; alkali burn injury; combination of PPARα and PPARγ; cornea; fibrotic changes; inflammation; neovascularization.