Abstract: AIM: To investigate if isopsoralen inhibits the apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells (HLEC) with experimental oxidative injury ( HLECB₃).METHODS: Lens epithelial cells were incubated with 300 μmol L H₂0₂ to make the HLEC-B₃ model. The estradiol ( E₂ ) was as a positive control, the HLEC apoptosis and apoptosis rate were measured by FCM, the ultrastructure changes and apoptosis bodies of HLEC were observed under transmission electron microscope.RESULTS: The ultrastructure observation indicated that the apoptosis cells occurred in most HLEC of H₂0₂ group and the changes were severe and presenting different stages.While the changes in E₂ and ISR groups were slight and most of them were in early and middle stages.The apoptosis rate in H₂0₂ group was significantly higher than that in the control group, E₂ and ISR groups.The ΔΧM in H₂O₂ group was reduced obviously compared with control group, E₂ and ISR groups.CONCLUSION: ISR may decrease the apoptosis of HLEC, providing scientific evidence for pursue effective medicine to prevent and treat senile cataract.

Key words: antioxidants, Isopsoralen, Cataract, Apoptosis