Abstract
Introduction: :
Aim:The goal of this study was to examine the role of an ERβ selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM, GTx-822) in alleviating oxidative stress in ARPE-19 cells and to elucidate the molecular pathways involved in this protection.
Methods: :
Cultured ARPE-19 cells were subjected to oxidative stress with t-butyl hydroxide (tBH) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence/absence of pharmacological doses of GTx-822. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using H2DCFDA fluorescence. Apoptosis was evaluated by cell-death ELISA kit and Hoechst-3486 staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using the JC-1 assay. Cellular localization of ER was evaluated by confocal microscopy. Gene expression and protein expression was quantitated using qRT-PCR and western blotting. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ATP levels were measured using commercial kits.
Results: :
GTx-822 prevented oxidative stress in ARPE-19 cells in a dose dependent manner. This protective effect was reversed by antagonists of ERβ. GTx-822 preserved mitochondrial function through (a) induction of rapid signaling cascades including phosphorylation of ERK1/2, PI3K and Bad, and (b) Induction of phase II antioxidant genes and ERβ.
Conclusions: :
This is the first report to show that an ERβ specific SERM can protect ARPE-19 cells from cellular degeneration induced by oxidative stress. GTx-822 mediated cytoprotection was mediated through induction of both genomic and non-genomic pathways. The results from this study open new avenues for use of SERMs in treatment of ocular diseases like AMD where oxidative stress plays a major role in disease pathology.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • oxidation/oxidative or free radical damage • mitochondria