Hyperosmolarity-Induced Oxidative Stress Leads to Senescence in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells (HCEPC) via DNA Damage, Metabolic Disturbance and Mitophagy Decline

Background: Dry eye disease (DED), characterized by tear film hyperosmolarity, can lead to corneal epithelial damage. The mechanisms linking hyperosmotic stress to human corneal epithelial cell (HCEPC) damage are not fully understood. Methods: A DED model was established by exposing HCEPCs to sustained hyperosmotic stress (400 mOsm/L) over multiple passages in vitro. Senescence was assessed using senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, p16INK4Aand senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASP) analysis. Mechanisms were investigated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, DNA damage, and inflammatory signaling. The role of autophagy was probed pharmacologically. Results: Hyperosmotic stress induced HCEPC senescence, driven by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, DNA damage, bioenergetic crisis, and compromised autophagy (especially mitophagy). Autophagy and mitophagy play a key role in regulating senescence progression. Enhancing autophagy with LYN-1604 ameliorated oxidative stress, improved energy homeostasis, and attenuated senescence. Inhibiting autophagy exacerbated these states. Conclusion: Hyperosmolarity promotes HCEPC senescence via mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage. Autophagy serves a critical protective role, and its enhancement represents a promising therapeutic strategy for DED.