Effect of puerarin on matrix metalloproteinase-2 in human fetal scleral fibroblasts treated with low frequency electromagnetic fields
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Published on: September 10, 2018
Objective:
To study the effect of puerarin on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene and protein expression in human fetal scleral fibroblasts (HFSFs) exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF).
Methods:
Cultured HFSFs were exposed to 0.2 mT ELF-EMF for 24 h. The experimental groups were divided into subgroups treated with 0, 0.1, 1 and 10 microM puerarin respectively. The expression of MMP-2 mRNA and protein were detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction and western-blot analysis respectively.
Results:
MMP-2 mRNA and protein expression increased by 0.793 and 1.130 folds respectively under the exposure of ELF-EMFs at 0.2 mT flux density for 24 h. Puerarin at the concentration of 0.1 microM reversed this effect by 8.53% in mRNA and by 17.97% in protein expression (P < 0.05). The effect was more prominent at higher concentrations (1 and 10 microM, P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
Exposure to ELF-EMFs increased the expression of MMP-2 mRNA and protein in HFSF cells. Puerarin reversed the action to some extent in a specific concentration range. Our results implied that the puerarin might protect scleral tissue from increased expression induced by exposure to ELF-EMFs.
Insights
Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) exposure increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in scleral fibroblasts. Puerarin mitigated this effect, suggesting potential protection for scleral tissue against ELF-EMF damage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Human fetal scleral fibroblasts (HFSFs) are crucial for maintaining scleral tissue integrity.
- Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) plays a role in extracellular matrix remodeling.
- Exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) may impact cellular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ELF-EMF on MMP-2 gene and protein expression in HFSFs.
- To evaluate the protective effect of puerarin against ELF-EMF-induced changes in MMP-2 expression.
Main Methods:
- HFSFs were exposed to 0.2 mT ELF-EMF for 24 hours.
- Cells were treated with varying concentrations of puerarin (0, 0.1, 1, and 10 microM).
- MMP-2 mRNA and protein levels were quantified using real-time PCR and Western blot analysis.
Main Results:
- ELF-EMF exposure significantly increased MMP-2 mRNA and protein expression in HFSFs.
- Puerarin treatment dose-dependently reversed these increases.
- Significant protective effects were observed at concentrations of 0.1 microM and higher.
Conclusions:
- ELF-EMF exposure elevates MMP-2 expression in HFSFs.
- Puerarin demonstrates a protective effect by reversing ELF-EMF-induced MMP-2 upregulation.
- Puerarin may offer a therapeutic strategy to protect scleral tissue from ELF-EMF-related damage.
