Short-wavelength blue light contributes to the pyroptosis of human lens epithelial cells (hLECs). (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Xiaohui; Song, Zhaowei; Li, Huazhang; Liu, Kexin; Sun, Ying; Liu, Xiangyu; Wang, Meiyu; Yang, Yuexing; Su, Sheng; Li, Zhijian
• Is Part Of: Experimental eye research. Volume 212(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Pyroptosis -- Short-wavelength blue light -- Caspase-1/GSDMD -- Signalling axis -- Human lens epithelial cells (hLECs); Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; Eye -- Periodicals; Œil -- Périodiques; Ophthalmology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 612.8405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108786
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-4835

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of short-wavelength blue light (SWBL) on cultured human lens epithelial cells (hLECs). The pathogenesis of cataracts after SWBL exposure is discussed. Methods: HLE-B3 hLECs were randomly divided into 3 groups: the NC group, which was grown in a dark incubator; the acetyl (Ac)-Tyr-Val-Ala-Asp-chloromethyl ketone (AC-YVAD-CMK) treatment group; and the SWBL exposure group. After SWBL (2500 lux) irradiation (for 8, 16, 24, and 32 h), caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression levels in HLE-B3 hLECs were examined using ELISA, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting analyses. Double-positive staining of hLECs for activated and inhibited caspase-1 was used to determine pyroptosis in HLE-B3 hLECs. Results: SWBL led to hLEC death, but a caspase-1 inhibitor suppressed cell death. The flow cytometry results also confirmed the dose-dependent effect of SWBL irradiation on the pyroptotic death of hLECs. Caspase-1 and GSDMD expression levels in all hLEC groups changed with blue light exposure times (8, 16, 24, and 32 h) and were higher in the AC-YVAD-CMK and SWBL exposure groups than in the NC group. The immunofluorescence results revealed higher GSDMD-N expression in the cell membrane of both the AC-YVAD-CMK and SWBL exposure groups than in the NC group. Conclusions: Based on the data, SWBL induces pyroptotic programmed cell death by activating the GSDMD signalling axis in HLE-B3 hLECs. These results provide new insights into the exploitation of new candidates for the prevention of cataracts. Highlights: Short-wave blue light induces pyroptotic programmed cell death in HLE-B3 hLECs. Short-wave blue light can activate the caspase-1/GSDMD signalling axis. These findings provide evidence for and novel insights into new drug candidates for the prevention of cataracts.