Effect of TiO2 Nano-Photocatalyst on Cataract and Lens Epithelial Cells

Abstract

Cataract seriously threatens the visual function integrity of patients, having a major impact on quality of life. As conventional cataract surgery has significant limitations in extracapsular cataract extraction, it is important to develop new, effective treatment schemes for better clinical outcome of cataract. The advancing maturity of nanotechnology may provide a new direction for cataract treatment. In this study, we established a mouse model of cataract, and explored the properties and effects of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nano-photocatalyst on mouse lens epithelial cells (LECs) toward new potential applications for future clinical cataract treatment. Following the generation of mice with cataract and preparation of TiO2 nano-photocatalyst and light source, we investigated the effects of TiO2 nano-photocatalyst on the proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of apoptotic proteins of cultured mouse LECs by MTT assay, flow cytometry, and Western blot. Using electron microscopy, it was determined that TiO2 on treated glass slides were dense, aggregated, and spherical with uniform size. In addition, the apoptosis rate, oxidative stress response and hypoxia inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α) protein expression of lens epithelial cells treated with TiO2 were lower than those of untreated group (P < 0.05), whereas the rate of multiplication ability increased (P < 0.05). Further, After 30 min was irradiated by UVA, the cell survival rate of TiO2 treated group was higher than that of untreated group (P < 0.05). Based on these findings, TiO2 effectively decreased apoptosis of LECs and reduce oxidative stress injury, findings which demonstrate considerable potential in the treatment of cataract.