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Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) regulates autophagy in human retinal pigment epithelial cells: a potential role for reducing UVB light-induced retinal damage.

Authors :
Li CP
Yao J
Tao ZF
Li XM
Jiang Q
Yan B
Source :
Biochemical and biophysical research communications [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] 2013 Sep 06; Vol. 438 (4), pp. 739-45. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Jul 31.
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

Autophagy is an intracellular catabolic process involved in protein and organelle degradation via the lysosomal pathway that has been linked in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). UVB irradiation-mediated degeneration of the macular retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is an important hallmark of AMD, which is along with the change in RPE autophagy. Thus, pharmacological manipulation of RPE autophagy may offer an alternative therapeutic target in AMD. Here, we found that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenolic compound from green tea, plays a regulatory role in UVB irradiation-induced autophagy in RPE cells. UVB irradiation results in a marked increase in the amount of LC3-II protein in a dose-dependent manner. EGCG administration leads to a significant reduction in the formation of LC3-II and autophagosomes. mTOR signaling activation is required for EGCG-induced LC3-II formation, as evidenced by the fact that EGCG-induced LC3-II formation is significantly impaired by rapamycin administration. Moreover, EGCG significantly alleviates the toxic effects of UVB irradiation on RPE cells in an autophagy-dependent manner. Collectively, our study reveals a novel role of EGCG in RPE autophagy. EGCG may be exploited as a potential therapeutic reagent for the treatment of pathological conditions associated with abnormal autophagy.<br /> (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1090-2104
Volume :
438
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Biochemical and biophysical research communications
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
23916613
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.07.097