Reversal of the Caspase-Dependent Apoptotic Cytotoxicity Pathway by Taurine from Lycium barbarum (Goji Berry) in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells: Potential Benefit in Diabetic Retinopathy

摘要: Diabetic retinopathy is a preventable microvascular diabetic complication and leading cause of vision loss. Retinal pigment epithelial cell apoptosis an early event in retinopathy. Taurine reportedly beneficial for abundant the fruit Lycium barbarum (LB). We have investigated effect pure taurine extract LB rich on model retinopathy, retinal ARPE-19 line exposed to high glucose. demonstrate first time that active ligand, taurine, dose dependently enhance viability following glucose treatment line. This cytoprotective was associated with attenuation glucose-induced apoptosis, which shown by characteristic morphological staining dose-dependent decrease number apoptotic cells, determined flow cytometry. Moreover, we downregulate caspase-3 protein expression enzymatic activity caspase-3. conclude major component LB, extract, against exposure human may provide useful approaches delaying progression.