Ginsenoside Rg1 Prevents H2O2-induced Lens Opacity

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the potential function of Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) against lens opacification. Methods: Eyeballs from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were enucleated and lenses were dissected for ex vivo culture under H2O2 treatment. Water soluble protein (WSP) content, the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione (GSH), and reduced GSH were detected by indicated assays. Cell viability was performed by Cell Counting Kit-8 experiment. Results Exposure of 0.2 mM H2O2 in lenses resulted in obvious cloudiness and typical pathological changes of cataract such as rupture of the lens capsule, degenerative lens epithelial cells (LECs), etc. Rg1 effectively prevented lens opacity caused by H2O2. After Rg1 treatment, lens WSP content, the level of SOD, total GSH, and reduced GSH were increased, while the level of MDA and oxidized GSH were decreased. In addition, MDA concentration of lens by Rg1 treatment only was found to be lower than the controls. Rg1 attenuated H2O2-induced cell injury at the concentration of 0.4 mM that it elevated cell activity, and peaked at 0.6 mM. Conclusions This study demonstrated that Rg1 might have the capability to protect lens against oxidative stress-induced cataract, at least by local administration. Abbreviations: LECs: lens epithelial cells; Rg1: Ginsenoside Rg1; SD: Sprague-Dawley; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SOD: Superoxide Dismutase; GSH: glutathione; MDA: Malonediadehyde; H2O2: Hydrogen peroxide