The Effects of Glucose Concentrations on Reactive Oxygen production and Cellular Activity in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of glucose concentrations on formation of reactive oxygen products and cellular activity in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS: Human retinal pigment epithelial cells were cultured with high glucose (200 mg/100 ml, 300 mg/100 ml, 400 mg/100 ml) and normal glucose (100 mg/100 ml). The amounts of reactive oxygen products were assayed with dihydroethidium (DHE). Paraquat-induced cellular activity was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. RESULTS: Reactive oxygen products of human retinal pigment epithelial cells were increased 120%, 250% and 390% in high glucose (200 mg/100 ml, 300 mg/100 ml, 400 mg/100 ml) media compared to those of normal glucose (100 mg/100 ml) media. Paraquat-induced cell toxicity was increased by high glucose concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: High glucose increased formation of reactive oxygen products in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. These results suggest that high glucose can make human retinal pigment epithelial cells more sensitive to oxidative cellular injury.