Induction of Angiogenic Cytokines in Cultured RPE by Oxidative Stress

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to investigate whether expression of angiogenic cytokines including IL-8 and MCP-1 is induced in the cultured RPE by oxidative stress. METHODS: ARPE-19 cells were exposed to H2O2 and paraquat for 24, 48, and 72 hours and then assayed for the detection of IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 expression by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. To determine whether the antioxidant overcame the oxidative stress, we observed expression of IL-8 and MCP-1 gene after ARPE cells were treated by paraquat and antioxidants including N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) at the same time for 72hr. RESULTS: Expressions of the angiogenic cytokines, IL-8 and MCP-1 were increased by incubating with paraquat for 72hr. Antioxidants including NAC and PDTC decreased the expression of IL-8 and MCP-1 gene by counteracting the paraquat effect. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress stimulates angiogenic cytokines including IL-8 and MCP-1 in the cultured RPE. These results may be significant for understanding the cause of age-related macular degeneration and its treatment.