Probucol attenuates high glucose-induced Müller cell damage through enhancing the Nrf2/p62 signaling pathway

Abstract

Purpose This study investigated the protective effect of probucol on Müller cells exposed to high glucose conditions and examined potential mechanisms of action. Methods Primary human retinal Müller cells were incubated with high glucose (HG, 35 mM) in the present or absence of different concentrations of probucol for 24 h. Cell viability was determined using the CCK-8 method. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was measured using JC-1 staining and cell cycle by flow cytometry. The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutamate–cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, and p62 was quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Results We found that HG inhibited cell proliferation, arrested cell cycle, and increased MMP in human Müller cells. Probucol activated the Nrf2/p62 pathway and upregulated the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl2, and attenuated HG-mediated damage in Müller cells. Conclusions Our results suggest that probucol may protect Müller cells from HG-induced damage through enhancing the Nrf2/p62 signaling pathway.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Exosomes Facilitate Diabetic Wound Healing: Mechanisms and Potential Applications

“…2 In addition to metabolic abnormalities, diabetes commonly gives rise to multi-system, and multi-organ complications in patients, including diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, neurological impairments, cognitive impairment, and fatty infiltration of the pancreas. [3][4][5][6][7] One severe complication among them is non-healing wounds or lesions, which can lead to serious consequences such as limb amputation. Furthermore, the mortality rate within 5 years after amputation is reported to be as high as 80%.…”