Standardized wild green oat extract (Avena sativa L.) attenuates sleep deprivation-induced dry eye via restoration of lacrimal cAMP/AQP5-dependent aqueous secretion and meibomian PPAR-γ/FASN-mediated lipid synthesis.

Chronic sleep deprivation (SD) is an increasing risk factor for dry eye disease (DED); however, effective nutritional interventions remain limited. In this study, we investigated the protective efficacy of a standardized wild green oat extract (GOE; Avena sativa L.), a polyphenol-enriched supplement with neuromodulatory and antioxidant properties, against SD-induced DED in mice. Mice were subjected to 16 days of SD and orally administered GOE (10 and 40 mg kg-1, twice daily) from days 5 to 16. SD significantly impaired tear secretion by downregulating lacrimal aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and compromised tear film stability by reducing meibomian PPAR-γ-driven lipogenesis. GOE treatment significantly increased tear secretion, enhanced tear film stability, and preserved tissue integrity. Mechanistically, GOE exerted a dual regulatory effect by modulating cAMP-mediated AQP5 trafficking in lacrimal glands and PPAR-γ/FASN-driven meibocyte differentiation in meibomian glands, restoring ocular surface and tear film homeostasis. These results demonstrate that GOE improves ocular surface health in vivo, suggesting its potential as a functional food intervention for SD-related dry eye.