Blue-light filtering alters angiogenic signaling in human retinal pigmented epithelial cells culture model

Abstract

BackgroundLight exposure and more specifically the spectrum of blue light contribute to the oxidative stress in Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The purpose of the study was to establish whether blue light filtering could modify proangiogenic signaling produced by retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells under different conditions simulating risk factors for AMD.MethodsThree experiments were carried out in order to expose ARPE-19 cells to white light for 48 h with and without blue light-blocking filters (BLF) in different conditions. In each experiment one group was exposed to light with no BLF protection, a second group was exposed to light with BLF protection, and a control group was not exposed to light. The ARPE-19 cells used in each experiment prior to light exposure were cultured for 24 h as follows: Experiment 1) Normoxia, Experiment 2) Hypoxia, and Experiment 3) Lutein supplemented media in normoxia. The media of all groups was harvested after light exposure for sandwich ELISA-based assays to quantify 10 pro-angiogenic cytokines.ResultsA significant decrease in angiogenin secretion levels and a significant increase in bFGF were observed following light exposure, compared to dark conditions, in both normoxia and hypoxia conditions. With the addition of a blue light-blocking filter in normoxia, a significant increase in angiogenin levels was observed. Although statistical significance was not achieved, blue light filters reduce light-induced secretion of bFGF and VEGF to near normal levels. This trend is also observed when ARPE-19 cells are grown under hypoxic conditions and when pre-treated with lutein prior to exposure to experimental conditions.ConclusionsFollowing light exposure, there is a decrease in angiogenin secretion by ARPE-19 cells, which was abrogated with a blue light - blocking filter. Our findings support the position that blue light filtering affects the secretion of angiogenic factors by retinal pigmented epithelial cells under normoxic, hypoxic, and lutein-pretreated conditions in a similar manner.

Expression of Pro-Angiogenic Markers Is Enhanced by Blue Light in Human RPE Cells

“…Moreover, the non-sudden overexpression of pro-angiogenic markers following A2E treatment can explain the reason why CNV emerges late in patients. Our results are consistent with a previous report by Vila et al, suggesting that blue light can induce vasculature remodeling in RPE cells [55,56].…”

Update of application of olfactory ensheathing cells and stem cells/exosomes in the treatment of retinal disorders

“…Laser at 380 nm would damage rat photoreceptors, while laser at 470 nm caused damage to both the photoreceptors and RPE. Therefore, blue light can be used to irradiate rats to establish a RP model [ 57 ]. Gene-editing techniques can also be used to create models.…”

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Autophagy in Blue-Light-Induced Damage to the Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Zebrafish In Vitro and In Vivo

“…light, can cause RPE lesions, resulting in or facilitating various macular-associated diseases. Among the spectrum of visible wavelengths (360–830 nm), blue light (400–500 nm) has been reported to facilitate the induction of oxidative stress in the macula [ 10 ], and excessive exposure to blue light is associated with the pathophysiology of retinal tissue due to the degeneration of the retina and photoreceptor cells [ 11 ]. Short-wavelength light, such as ultraviolet light and blue light, has relatively high energy and may cause severe damage to retinal tissues, especially RPE cells [ 12 , 13 ].…”