Oxidative stress-related discrepant expression of sirtuin 1 in human retinal pigment epithelial cells

  Objective  To explore the effect of oxidative stress on sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.

  Methods  Human RPE cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at concentrations of 0, 200, 300 µmol/L. RPE cell morphology was observed with Giemsa staining 24 hours after the treatment. SIRT1 mRNA and protein expression were detected 24 and 72 hours after H₂O₂ treatment.

  Results  The morphology of RPE cells was damaged and apoptotic bodies were observed after treatment with different concentrations of H₂O₂; SIRT1 mRNA level was increased in a dose-dependent manner 24 hours after H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. However, 72 hours after H₂O₂ treatment SIRT1 protein expression was reduced significantly.

  Conclusion  Oxidative stress can lead to morphological changes in RPE cells; SIRT1 maintains the balance of the oxidation reduction system in RPE cells and could be used as a therapeutic target in for clinical management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).