Lutein and zeaxanthin isomers may attenuate photo-oxidative retinal damage via modulation of G protein-coupled receptors and growth factors in rats

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications 2019-08, Vol.516 (1), p.163-170
• Main Authors: Sahin, Kazim, Gencoglu, Hasan, Akdemir, Fatih, Orhan, Cemal, Tuzcu, Mehmet, Sahin, Nurhan, Yilmaz, Ismet, Juturu, Vijaya
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carotenoids; GPCRs; Light–emitting diode; Neurotrophins; Photo-oxidation; Retina
• ISSN: 0006-291X; 1090-2104
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.06.032

Retina photoreceptor cells are specially adapted for functioning over comprehensive ambient light conditions. Lutein and Zeaxanthin isomers (L/Zi) can protect photoreceptor cells against excessive light degeneration. Efficacy of L/Zi has been assessed on some G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), transcription and neurotrophic factors in the retina of rats exposed to incremental intense light emitting diode (LED) illumination conditions. Forty-two male rats (age: 8 weeks) were randomly assigned to six treatment groups, 7 rats each. The rats with a 3x2 factorial design were kept under 3 intense light conditions (12hL/12hD, 16hL/8hD, 24hL/0hD) and received two levels of L/Zi (0 or 100 mg/kg BW) for two months. Increased nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and decreased Rhodopsin (Rho), Rod arrestin (Sag), G Protein Subunit Alpha Transducin1 (Gnat1), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), growth-associated protein-43 (GAP43), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were observed in 24 h light intensity adaptation followed by 16 h IL and 8 h D. L/Zi administration significantly improved antioxidant capacity and retinal Rho, Rod-arrestin (Sag), Gnat1, NCAM, GAP43, BDNF, NGF, IGF1, Nrf2, and HO-1 levels. However, the levels of NF-κB and GFAP levels were decreased by administration of L/Zi. According to these results, L/Zi may be assumed as an adjunct therapy to prevent early photoreceptor cell degeneration and neutralize free radicals derived from oxidative stress. [Display omitted] •LED light contains harmful blue and violet lights that cause photoreceptor damage.•Lutein and zeaxanthin may prevent macular degeneration via aiding the damaged retina by stimulating healing gene pathways.•Lutein and zeaxanthin would help to prevent age-related macular degeneration and light-induced retinal damage.