Growth inhibition, induction of apoptosis by green tea constituent (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate in cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate effect of green tea extract (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells in order to pave a new way to postcapsular opacity (PCO) prevention.


METHODS
Cell survival rate was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) coloimetric assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by electron microscopy, Hochest 33258 stain and flow cytometer. DNA fragment was detected using agarose gel electrophoresis.


RESULTS
Proliferation of the cultured rabbit lens epithelia cells was inhibited by EGCG in a dose and time dependent manner. Morphologic study showed that the cells became shrunk, round shaped with their nuclei condensed and broken. Apoptotic bodies were also seen under electron microscope and in Hochest 33258 stain assay 24 hours after EGCG was added to the medium. DNA ladders were shown in agarose gel electrophoresis. In flow cytometry assay, apoptosis peak was also evident.


CONCLUSIONS
Green Tea Constituent(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate could inhibit cultured rabbit lens epithelial cells proliferation by inducing their apoptosis in the concentration used by us, which indicates that it is possible to prevent PCO by using herb extract.
Huang
W
W
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Li
S
S
Zeng
J
J
Liu
Y
Y
Wu
M
M
Zhang
M
M
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002386:Cataract / Q000517:prevention & control; D002392:Catechin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000166:cytology*; D011817:Rabbits; D013662:Tea / Q000737:chemistry*
D000975:Antioxidants; D013662:Tea; D002392:Catechin; C045651:epigallocatechin gallate