Comparative Efficiency of Lutein and Astaxanthin in the Protection of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells In Vitro from Blue-Violet Light Photo-Oxidative Damage

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare in vitro the protective and antioxidant properties of lutein and astaxanthin on human primary corneal epithelial cells (HCE-F). To this purpose, HCE-F cells were irradiated with a blue-violet light lamp (415–420 nm) at different energies (20 to 80 J/cm2). Lutein and astaxanthin (50 to 250 μM) were added to HCE-F right before blue-violet light irradiation at 50 J/cm2. Viability was evaluated by the CKK-8 assay while the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the H2DCF-DA assay. Results have shown that the viability of HCE-F cells decreased at light energies from 20 J/cm2 to 80 J/cm2, while ROS production increased at 50 and 80 J/cm2. The presence of lutein or astaxanthin protected the cells from phototoxicity, with lutein slightly more efficient than astaxanthin also on the blunting of ROS, prevention of apoptotic cell death and modulation of the Nrf-2 pathway. The association of lutein and astaxanthin did not give a significant advantage over the use of lutein alone. Taken together, these results suggest that the association of lutein and astaxanthin might be useful to protect cells of the ocular surface from short (lutein) and longer (astaxanthin) wavelengths, as these are the most damaging radiations hitting the eye from many different LED screens and solar light.

A Low-Cost Fertilizer Medium Supplemented with Urea for the Lutein Production of Chlorella sp. and the Ability of the Lutein to Protect Cells against Blue Light Irradiation

“…cultured with the fertilizer reduced the ROS damage to NIH/3T3 cells caused by blue-light irradiation when a dose of ≥1 µM was used. The amount of ROS produced by blue-light exposure can be reduced by lutein treatment in Cristaldi et al [34]. The lutein was purchased from Molekula Group (cat.…”

“…Another study tested the ability of lutein and astaxanthin to protect human corneal epithelial cells from blue-violet light photo-oxidative damage [34]. First, to investigate the cell viability and accumulation of ROS by blue-light irradiation with 300 µmol/m 2 /s intensity, the NIH/3T3 cells were exposed to blue light for 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h. The NIH/3T3 cells without blue-light irradiation (0 h) were defined as the control.…”

“…ROS in cells are generated by blue-light irradiation [73,74]. Many studies have demonstrated that lutein can resist the damage of blue-light irradiation [34,75,76]. The raw materials of the lutein used are mainly extracted from plants [77,78] or produced in synthetic media by microorganisms [79,80] and microalgae [6,81].…”

“…Exposing cells to blue light causes oxidative damage to cell membranes and damages the mitochondria, increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations [31,32]. Removal of lutein from the diet of experimental animals resulted in early signs of retinal degeneration, as lutein accumulates in the lens and macula of the retina and protects the retina from light-induced oxidative stress [33,34]. According to the 2023 Future Market Insights market report, the global lutein market was estimated to be USD 354 million in 2022, and it is expected to reach USD 590 million by 2032; the compound annual growth rate in 2022-2032 is expected to reach 5.2% [35].…”

A novel multi-ingredient supplement significantly improves ocular symptom severity and tear production in patients with dry eye disease: results from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

“…Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid pigments uniquely concentrated in the human macula and widely recommended as dietary supplements for preventing vision loss from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) ( 11 ). Following ingestion as a supplement, lutein has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, protecting the retina against photo-oxidative damage and inflammatory cytokine production caused by exposure to blue light ( 13 ).…”