Abstract: AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effects of elemene (Ele) on proliferation of lens epithelial cell (LEC) induced by recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) and the relationshipbetween dose-effect and time-effect, in order to pursue effective method of prevention and treatment for after cataract.METHODS: The inhibitory effects of different concentrations of Ele on proliferation of bovine LEC induced by rhEGF were detected by cell activities via methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) via flow cytometer (FCM).Meanwhile, the relationshipbetween time and effect was observed.RESULTS: The inhibitory rates of LEC proliferation were increased in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.01) after LEC incubated with low, middle, high concentrations of Ele for 24 h;The inhibitory rates of LEC proliferation were increased in a time-dependent manner (p<0.01)after LEC incubated with middle concentrations of Ele for 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h.Ele can down-regulate expression of PCNA.Expression rates of PCNA were decreased in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.01) after LEC incubated with low, middle, high concentrations of Ele for 24 h;The expression rates of PCNA were decreased in a time-dependent manner (p<0.01) after LEC incubated with middle concentrations of Ele for 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h.CONCLUSION: Elemene can effectively inhibit LEC proliferation induced by rhEGF.There are broad prospects for prevention and treatment of after cataract.

Key words: elemene, lens epithelial cell, proliferation, after cataract