In conclusion, DEX improved the 5-FU-induced OM lesions by reducing the TNF-α, IL-1β, TGF-β, and MIF cytokine levels; increasing IRAK-M, GILZ, and MKP1 gene expression; and reducing NFκB p65 and AKt gene expression, suggesting that these pathways participate in the protective effect of DEX in OM (Fig 8). The gene discussed is IRAK3; the disease is ocular melanoma.