Abstract
BackgroundLight exposure and more specifically the spectrum of blue light contribute to the oxidative stress in Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The purpose of the study was to establish whether blue light filtering could modify proangiogenic signaling produced by retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells under different conditions simulating risk factors for AMD.MethodsThree experiments were carried out in order to expose ARPE-19 cells to white light for 48 h with and without blue light-blocking filters (BLF) in different conditions. In each experiment one group was exposed to light with no BLF protection, a second group was exposed to light with BLF protection, and a control group was not exposed to light. The ARPE-19 cells used in each experiment prior to light exposure were cultured for 24 h as follows: Experiment 1) Normoxia, Experiment 2) Hypoxia, and Experiment 3) Lutein supplemented media in normoxia. The media of all groups was harvested after light exposure for sandwich ELISA-based assays to quantify 10 pro-angiogenic cytokines.ResultsA significant decrease in angiogenin secretion levels and a significant increase in bFGF were observed following light exposure, compared to dark conditions, in both normoxia and hypoxia conditions. With the addition of a blue light-blocking filter in normoxia, a significant increase in angiogenin levels was observed. Although statistical significance was not achieved, blue light filters reduce light-induced secretion of bFGF and VEGF to near normal levels. This trend is also observed when ARPE-19 cells are grown under hypoxic conditions and when pre-treated with lutein prior to exposure to experimental conditions.ConclusionsFollowing light exposure, there is a decrease in angiogenin secretion by ARPE-19 cells, which was abrogated with a blue light - blocking filter. Our findings support the position that blue light filtering affects the secretion of angiogenic factors by retinal pigmented epithelial cells under normoxic, hypoxic, and lutein-pretreated conditions in a similar manner.
Highlights
Light exposure and the spectrum of blue light contribute to the oxidative stress in Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Increases in both Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were observed when retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells were exposed to white light compared to dark conditions; only the increase in bFGF was significant (p < 0.05)
A significant (p < 0.05) increase in angiogenin levels was observed within supernatant samples collected from RPE cells exposed to white light with a blue lightblocking filters (BLF), compared to samples collected from RPE cells exposed to white light without a BLF
Summary
Light exposure and the spectrum of blue light contribute to the oxidative stress in Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The purpose of the study was to establish whether blue light filtering could modify proangiogenic signaling produced by retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells under different conditions simulating risk factors for AMD. Some aspects of AMD pathogenesis are not well understood, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that oxidative stress can contribute to the onset and progression of the condition [5]. Blue light exposure has been linked to abnormal secretion of potent pro-angiogenic factors that can promote the onset or progression of ocular diseases with a neovascular component. It has been demonstrated that blue light-induced damage in retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells can promote angiogenic signaling, thereby contributing to an environment that promotes neovascular disease [10]
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