Protective Effects of Fucoidan on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells and Progression of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry

Yao Zhang¹ 

关键词: Fucoidan;    Epithelial-mesenchymal transition;    Retinal pigment epithelium;    Proliferative vitreoretinopathy;   

DOI  :  10.1159/000489246

学科分类：分子生物学，细胞生物学和基因

来源: S Karger AG

【 摘 要 】

Background/Aims Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a severe blinding complication of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is thought to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PVR. Fucoidan, a marine extract, reportedly has many benefits effects in a variety of tissues and organs such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, and anti-carcinogenesis. In this study, we investigated the potential role of fucoidan on EMT in RPE cells and its effect on the development of PVR. Methods MTS, Transwell, and collagen gel contraction assays were employed to measure the viability, migration, and contraction of RPE cells, respectively. mRNA and protein expression were evaluated via real-time quantitative PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. In vivo, a pigmented rabbit model of PVR was established to examine the anti-PVR effect of fucoidan. Results Fucoidan reversed the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced EMT of RPE cells, including the increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin and down-regulation of E-cadherin in human primary RPE cells. Moreover, the upregulation of phosphorylated Smad2/3 induced by TGF-β1 was suppressed by fucoidan. Fucoidan also inhibited the migration and contraction of RPE cells induced by TGF-β1. In vivo, fucoidan inhibited the progression of experimental PVR in rabbit eyes. Histological findings showed that fucoidan suppressed the formation of α-SMA-positive epiretinal membranes. Conclusion Our findings regarding the protective effects of fucoidan on the EMT of RPE cells and experimental PVR suggest the potential clinical application of fucoidan as an anti-PVR agent.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC-ND