Effect of High Glucose on the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Trabecular Meshwork Cells

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of high glucose concentration on the production of reactive oxygen species in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs). METHODS: Primarily cultured HTMCs were exposed to low glucose (5 mM) and high glucose (22 mM) concentrations, respectively, for seven days. Cellular survival, as well as nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide production, were assessed by measured MTT assay, Griess assay, and o-Dianisidine dihydrochloride assay, respectively. Some cells were co-exposed to N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) to assess the effect of this antioxidant. RESULTS: High glucose concentration increased the survival of cultured HTMCs significantly, with no effect from NAC. High glucose concentration increased the production of NO and hydrogen peroxide, which were abolished by co-exposure with NAC. CONCLUSIONS: High glucose concentration increases the production of NO and hydrogen peroxide, which can be abolished by antioxidant in trabecular meshwork cells.