Pharmaceuticals (Nov 2018)

TRPM8 Channels and Dry Eye

  • Jee Myung Yang,
  • Edward T. Wei,
  • Seong Jin Kim,
  • Kyung Chul Yoon

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph11040125
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 4
p. 125

Abstract

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Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels transduce signals of chemical irritation and temperature change from the ocular surface to the brain. Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder wherein the eyes react to trivial stimuli with abnormal sensations, such as dryness, blurring, presence of foreign body, discomfort, irritation, and pain. There is increasing evidence of TRP channel dysfunction (i.e., TRPV1 and TRPM8) in DED pathophysiology. Here, we review some of this literature and discuss one strategy on how to manage DED using a TRPM8 agonist.

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