Ultraviolet radiation-induced apoptosis in human lens epithelial cells and its effect on Bcl-2 and Bax / 中南大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the apoptosis-inducing effect of ultraviolet(UV) radiation on human lens epithelial cells (HLEC), with particular focus on changes in Bcl-2 or Bax expression as possible mechanisms.@*METHODS@#All experimental groups were exposed to the same UV light source. HLEC were divided into 6 groups according to duration of UV radiation 0 min group (control group), 5 min group, 10 min group,15 min group, and 30 min group. Analysis on apoptosis of HLEC was performed by flow cytometry analysis (FCA, Annexin V + PI staining). Changes of Bax and Bcl-2 expression in HLEC were detected by hybridization in situ.@*RESULTS@#Apoptosis in HLEC increased with UV exposure time. The expression level of Bax mRNA was increased with the increase of UV exposure time, whereas the expression level of Bcl-2 mRNA decreased with the increase of UV exposure time. The proportion of apoptotic cells was negatively correlated with ratio of Bcl-2/Bax (r=-0.874, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#UA radiation can induce apoptosis of HLEC in vitro. Bcl-2 and Bax genes may play an important role in regulating this apoptotic process.