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Quercetin attenuates UV- and H(2)O(2)-induced decrease of collagen type I in cultured human lens epithelial cells.
Qin Jiang1, Cong Cao, Changlin Zhou
1Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. jqin710@vip.sina.com
Summary
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation decreases collagen type I in human lens cells, a process linked to cataract formation. The antioxidant quercetin protects against this decrease by inhibiting the JNK/c-Jun pathway.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known risk factor for cataract formation.
- Matrix proteins, including collagens, are vital for lens capsule structure and remodeling.
- The impact of UV radiation on collagen dynamics in lens cells remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of UV radiation on collagen type I in human lens epithelial cells.
- To elucidate the underlying cellular signaling pathways involved in UV-induced collagen decrease.
- To evaluate the protective potential of quercetin against UV-induced collagen degradation.
Main Methods:
- Cultured human lens epithelial cells were exposed to UV radiation and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)).
- Collagen type I levels were quantified.
- Activation of JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and its downstream target c-Jun was assessed.
- Pharmacologic inhibitors of JNK and the antioxidant quercetin were used to study protective effects.
Main Results:
- UV radiation significantly decreased collagen type I in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
- Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) mimicked the effect of UV radiation on collagen type I.
- Both UV and H(2)O(2) activated the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway.
- Inhibition of JNK/c-Jun activation by a JNK inhibitor (JNKi) or quercetin attenuated the decrease in collagen type I.
- Quercetin demonstrated a dose-dependent protective effect against UV- and H(2)O(2)-induced collagen type I reduction.
Conclusions:
- UV radiation induces a decrease in collagen type I in human lens epithelial cells, potentially contributing to cataract formation.
- The JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway is critically involved in mediating UV-induced collagen type I reduction.
- Quercetin mitigates UV- and H(2)O(2)-induced collagen type I decrease by inhibiting the JNK/c-Jun pathway.
- Targeting the JNK/c-Jun pathway may offer therapeutic strategies for preventing UV-induced cataracts.
