Abstract

BACKGROUND: The current research work aimed to explore the protective role of myricetin against cataractogenesis in humans, in terms of its anti-apoptotic potential.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human eye lens epithelial cells were exposed to oxidative stress by treating with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) were determined using standard detection kits. DAPI (4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole), AO/EB (acridine orange/ethidium bromide) and Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining assays were used for the assessment of cell apoptosis. Western blotting was used to examine the protein concentrations.

RESULTS: The exposure of human epithelial eye lens cells to H₂O₂ led to significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species molecules. Treatment of the H₂O₂-stressed epithelial cells with myricetin caused significant (P<0.05) increased levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH. Western blot analysis also showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the expression of SOD, CAT, and GSH levels in human epithelial eye lens cells. Additionally, myricetin administration to H₂O₂-treated epithelial eye lens cells caused a significant decline in cell apoptosis ratio. The induction of apoptosis was associated with upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed the potential of myricetin in protecting the apoptosis driven cataract formation in humans.

Keywords: Retracted Publication

Retraction note