关键词: 青蒿琥酯, 氧化应激, 视网膜神经节细胞

Abstract:

AIM: To study the effects of artesunate on oxidative stress in cultured retinal ganglion cells (RGC-5) and to investigate its possible mechanism. METHODS: RGC-5 cells were cultured in vitro and were divided into five groups, including control group, H2O2 group, low-, middle-, high-dose artesunate groups. CCK8 assay was used to measure the relative survival rate of RGC-5 cells. Cell apoptotic rate was determined by flow cytometry. Related kits were used to determine the levels of MDA, NO and SOD1. Western bot method was used to analyze the expression levels of HO-1, SOD1, PI3K, p-Akt and Akt. RESULTS:Compared with H2O2 group, the relative survival rates were significantly increased and cell apoptotic rates were greatly decreased in varying concentrations of artesunate groups (P<0.05). The contents of MDA, NO were greatly decreased, while the activity of SOD1 was strongly increased in artesunate groups compared with H2O2 group (P<0.05). The expression levels of HO-1, SOD1, PI3K and p-Akt were greatly increased in artesunate groups compared with H2O2 group (P<0.05). Moreover, PI3K inhibitor decreased the protective effect of artesunate on the injury of RGC-5 cells. CONCLUSION: Artesunate significantly inhibit the oxidative stress injury of RGC-5 cells and its underlying mechanism maybe related with inducing the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Key words: artesunate, oxidative stress, retinal ganglion cells