BACKGROUND: β-glucogallin (GG) is one of the major plant polyphenolic antioxidants that have been associated with positive effects on human health and are crucial in the developing defense mechanism against the risk of diseases. However, reports on the protective mechanism of GG in lens epithelial cells are limited.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: ARPE-19 cells (a human retinal epithelial cell line) were exposed to methylglyoxal (MG) with or without GG to illuminate the protective role of GG in counteracting the cataract signaling.

RESULTS: Cells predisposed to MG demonstrated an increase in oxidative stress with augmented (P<0.01) inflammatory cytokines such as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, chemokine receptor CXCR4, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) genes. In addition, the expression of aldose reductase (AR) was increased to 2-fold with accumulated sorbitol in MG exposed cells compared to control. On the other hand, cells exposed to MG evidenced a 3-fold increase in RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) and a 2-fold increase in NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) expression compared to control cells. Intriguingly, lens epithelial cells pre-treated with GG attenuated the reactive oxygen species levels with improved antioxidant enzymes. Simultaneously, the levels of AR and other inflammatory cytokines were observed in the levels closer to control cells in GG pre-treated cells.

CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the results of the present investigation show that GG may be a potential drug for the prevention of cataract development and progression.

Keywords: 3T3 Cells, Glucan 1,3-beta-Glucosidase, Hypercementosis, Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell, Photosensitivity Disorders, Chemokine CCL2, Chemokines, Cytokines, Glycation End Products, Advanced, Hydrolyzable Tannins, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1, Interleukin-6, Pyruvaldehyde