Lutein improves cell viability and reduces <i>Alu</i> RNA accumulation in hydrogen peroxide challenged retinal pigment epithelial cells
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<b>Purpose:</b> Dysfunction of the microRNA (miRNA)-processing enzyme DICER1 and <i>Alu</i> RNA accumulation are linked to the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study determined the optimal dose of lutein (LUT) and zeaxanthin (ZEA) to protect human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells against hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>). The effect of the optimal dose of LUT and ZEA as DICER1 and <i>Alu</i> RNA modulators in cultured human RPE cells challenged with H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> was investigated. <b>Materials and methods:</b> ARPE-19 cells were pre-treated with LUT, ZEA, or both for 24 h before 200 μM H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> challenge. Cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. DICER1 and <i>Alu</i> RNA were quantified by western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. <b>Results:</b> H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> increased cell <i>Alu</i> RNA expression and decreased cell viability of ARPE-19, but had no significant impact on the DICER1 protein level. LUT, alone and in combination with ZEA pre-treatment, prior to H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> challenge significantly improved cell viability of ARPE-19 and reduced the level of <i>Alu</i> RNA compared to the negative control. <b>Conclusions:</b> These results support the use of LUT alone, and in combination with ZEA, in AMD prevention and treatment. This study is also the first to report LUT modulating effects on <i>Alu</i> RNA.
