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Ghrelin Protects Human Lens Epithelial Cells against Oxidative Stress-Induced Damage
1Key Laboratory of Harbin Medical University Eye Center, Eye Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
Abstract:
Oxidative stress has been recognized as an important mediator in the pathogenesis of age-related cataracts; using antioxidant supplements is one plausible strategy to protect the antioxidative defense system against oxidative stress. Ghrelin administration is expected to reduce ROS, preventing the onset of different diseases. The role of ghrelin, if any, in protecting against oxidative stress in HLECs has never been examined. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ghrelin against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and the associated molecular mechanisms in HLECs and rat lenses. The results showed that pretreatment with ghrelin reduced H2O2-induced cellular apoptosis and ROS accumulation, increased the expression levels of SOD and CAT, and decreased the expression level of MDA. The morphological examination showed that the ghrelin-treated lens organ culture maintained transparency. This is the first report to show that ghrelin can protect HLECs from H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that ghrelin may prevent the progression of cataracts, which has treatment value for ophthalmologists.
Insights
Ghrelin protects against oxidative stress in lens cells, reducing damage and maintaining transparency. This suggests ghrelin may prevent age-related cataracts by bolstering the eye's antioxidant defenses.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Oxidative stress is a key factor in age-related cataract development.
- Antioxidant supplements are a potential strategy to combat oxidative stress.
- Ghrelin is known to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and may offer protection against diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of ghrelin against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs).
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying ghrelin's potential protective role in HLECs and rat lenses.
- To determine if ghrelin can prevent oxidative stress-induced damage relevant to cataractogenesis.
Main Methods:
- HLECs and rat lenses were pretreated with ghrelin before exposure to H2O2.
- Cellular apoptosis and ROS accumulation were measured.
- Expression levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) and lipid peroxidation marker (MDA) were analyzed.
- Lens organ cultures were morphologically examined for transparency.
Main Results:
- Ghrelin pretreatment significantly reduced H2O2-induced cellular apoptosis and ROS accumulation in HLECs.
- Ghrelin increased the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), key antioxidant enzymes.
- Ghrelin decreased the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation.
- Lens organ cultures treated with ghrelin maintained transparency, indicating protection against oxidative damage.
Conclusions:
- Ghrelin demonstrates a protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HLECs and rat lenses.
- Ghrelin enhances the cellular antioxidant defense system by modulating SOD, CAT, and MDA levels.
- These findings suggest ghrelin has therapeutic potential in preventing the progression of cataracts.
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