Minocycline is cytoprotective in human corneal endothelial cells and induces anti-apoptotic B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)

Kernt, Marcus; Hirneiß, Christoph; Neubauer, Aljoscha Steffen and Kampik, Anselm (2010): Minocycline is cytoprotective in human corneal endothelial cells and induces anti-apoptotic B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP). In: British Journal of Ophthalmology, Vol. 94, No. 7: pp. 940-946

Abstract

Introduction Loss of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) is one major factor limiting transplant clarity and survival after keratoplasty. Amongst other factors, apoptosis due to cellular stress is responsible for these problems. This study investigates the possible anti-apoptotic and cytoprotective effects of minocycline on a human corneal endothelial cell line (HCEC-SV40) cultured under oxidative stress and with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). Methods CECs were treated with 1-150 mM minocycline. Cell viability and the median inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) were evaluated after 48 h and after H(2)O(2) treatment (tetrazolium dye reduction assay and liveedead assay). Expression of B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) and their mRNA were assessed by reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR and western blot analysis after treatment with minocycline alone and consecutive incubation with 200 mM H(2)O(2) and TGF-beta 2. A quantitative detection of histone-associated DNA fragmentation by ELISA was performed. Results Minocycline concentrations from 1-50 mM showed no toxic effects on CECs. Pre-treatment with 10-40 mM minocycline led to an increase in viability after H(2)O(2) treatment. In addition, minocycline pretreatment attenuated the increase of histone-associated DNA fragmentation after treatment with H(2)O(2) and TGF-beta 2 significantly. When CECs were treated with minocycline and then consecutively with H(2)O(2) or TGF-beta 2, RT-PCR and western blot analysis yielded an overexpression of Bcl-2 and XIAP. Conclusion In this study minocycline prevented apoptotic cell death in cultured CECs in vitro. Our results suggest that minocycline might offer cytoprotective properties that might help to prevent loss of corneal endothelial cells in vivo.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Form of publication: Publisher's Version
• Faculties: Medicine
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 0007-1161
• Alliance/National Licence: This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.
• Language: English