[Molecular mechanism of the protective effect of lutein against retinal damage induced by blue-light in rats].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the possible mechanisms of the protective effect of lutein against retinal damage induced by blue-light.

METHODS

Ninety six female SD rats (8 week-old, 200 g) were divided into six groups: normal control (NC), blue light injury (MC), blue light + solvent (SC), blue light + 0.5 mg/ml lutein (L0.5), blue light + 1.0 mg/ml lutein (L1.0) and blue light + 2.0 mg/ml lutein (L2.0). The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of peroxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) of retina were measured as oxidative stress markers. Neuron nitricoxide synthase and the expression of c-fos protein in retina were analyzed by Western Blot.

RESULTS

The content of MDA increased in the retina induced by photic injury, and the increase was protected significantly by lutein treatment (P < 0.05), but no dose-dependent response of lutein on the activities of SOD and GSH-Px was observed (P > 0.05). The expression of c-fos protein was significantly higher in the retina of MC and SC group than that in lutein-treated groups (P < 0.05), while the expression of nNOS was not significant different between groups.

CONCLUSION

The mechanisms of lutein protecting retina from blue-light damage might be quenching singlet oxygen, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and c-fos gene expression.