Work

Nrf2 Activated by PD-MSCs Attenuates Oxidative Stress in a Hydrogen Peroxide-Injured Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Line

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a retinal degenerative disease caused by oxidative stress. Thus, we aimed to reduce oxidative stress through the use of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs). To induce oxidative stress in ARPE-19 cells, we treated them with 200 µM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 2 h and then cocultured them with PD-MSCs. The dissociation of the KEAP1/Nrf2 complex, along with the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT), increased in the coculture group compared with the H2O2 treatment group (* p < 0.05). The expression levels of antioxidant genes increased in the cocultured group compared with those in the H2O2 treatment group (* p < 0.05), whereas the ROS levels decreased in the cocultured group (* p < 0.05). Additionally, both the expression of mitochondrial dynamics markers and the mitochondrial membrane potential increased when the cells were cocultured with PD-MSCs (* p < 0.05). PD-MSC cocultivation decreased the expression levels of lipoproteins (* p < 0.05). Finally, we confirmed that PD-MSCs promoted the expression of RPE-specific genes in H2O2-injured ARPE-19 cells (* p < 0.05). These findings suggest a new aspect of stem cell treatment for AMD induced by oxidative stress.

Source: Antioxidants

DOI: 10.3390/antiox14111279

Authors: Se Jin Hong, Dae-Hyun Lee, Jeong Woo Choi, Hankyu Lee, Youngje Sung, Gi Jin Kim

Institutions: CHA University, CHA University Bundang Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Retinal Diseases and Treatments

Subfield: Ophthalmology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499