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Antioxidants reduce TGF-beta2-induced gene expressions in human optic nerve head astrocytes
Alice L Yu1, Ulrich Welge-Lussen
1Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany. alice.yu@med.uni-muenchen.de
Purpose:
The goal of the present study was to investigate whether the antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B1 can reduce the transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2)-induced gene expressions in cultured human optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes.
Methods:
Cultured human ONH astrocytes were pretreated with different concentrations of vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B1 and then exposed to 1.0 ng/ml TGF-β2 for 24 hr. Expression of the heat shock proteins Hsp27 and αB-crystallin, the extracellular matrix (ECM) component fibronectin and the ECM-modulating protein connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was detected by immunohistochemistry or real-time PCR analysis.
Results:
TGF-β2 increased the expression of Hsp27, αB-crystallin, fibronectin and CTGF in human ONH astrocytes. Pretreatment with different concentrations of vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B1 reduced the TGF-β2-stimulated gene expressions.
Conclusion:
In cultured human ONH astrocytes, the TGF-β2-stimulated gene expressions could be reduced by pretreatment with vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin B1. Therefore, the use of antioxidants in glaucomatous optic neuropathy might be a promising approach to prevent TGF-β2-induced cellular changes in ONH astrocytes.
Insights
Antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin B1 can reduce transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2)-induced gene expression in human optic nerve head astrocytes. This suggests potential therapeutic benefits for glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Glaucomatous optic neuropathy involves cellular changes in optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes.
- Transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) is implicated in these pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin B1 to mitigate TGF-β2-induced gene expression in human ONH astrocytes.
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies for preventing TGF-β2-mediated cellular damage in glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Human ONH astrocytes were cultured and pretreated with varying concentrations of vitamins E, C, and B1.
- Cells were subsequently exposed to TGF-β2, and the expression of heat shock proteins (Hsp27, αB-crystallin), fibronectin, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was analyzed.
- Detection methods included immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- TGF-β2 significantly upregulated the expression of Hsp27, αB-crystallin, fibronectin, and CTGF in ONH astrocytes.
- Pretreatment with vitamins E, C, and B1 effectively reduced the TGF-β2-induced gene expression levels.
Conclusions:
- Vitamins E, C, and B1 demonstrate a capacity to reduce TGF-β2-stimulated gene expression in human ONH astrocytes.
- Antioxidant intervention may represent a promising therapeutic avenue for managing glaucomatous optic neuropathy by targeting TGF-β2-induced cellular alterations.
