●AIM:To explore whether autophagy functions as a cellular adaptation mechanism in lens epithelial cells(LECs)under hyperosmotic stress.●METHODS:LECs were treated with hyperosmotic stress at the concentration of 270,...●AIM:To explore whether autophagy functions as a cellular adaptation mechanism in lens epithelial cells(LECs)under hyperosmotic stress.●METHODS:LECs were treated with hyperosmotic stress at the concentration of 270,300,400,500,or 600 mOsm for 6,12,18,24h in vitro.Polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was employed for the mRNA expression of autophagyrelated genes,while Western blotting detected the targeted protein expression.The transfection of stub-RFP-sens-GFPLC3 autophagy-related double fluorescence lentivirus was conducted to detect the level of autophagy flux.Scanning electron microscopy was used to detect the existence of autolysosome.Short interfering RNA of autophagy-related gene(ATG)7,transient receptor potential vanilloid(TRPV)1 overexpression plasmid,related agonists and inhibitors were employed to their influence on autophagy related pathway.Flow cytometry was employed to test the apoptosis and intracellular Ca^(2+)level.Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by JC-1 staining.The cell counting kit-8 assay was used to calculate the cellular viability.The wound healing assay was used to evaluate the wound closure rate.GraphPad 6.0 software was utilized to evaluate the data.●RESULTS:The hyperosmotic stress activated autophagy in a pressure-and time-dependent manner in LECs.Beclin 1 protein expression and conversion of LC3B II to LC3B I increased,whereas sequestosome-1(SQSTM1)protein expression decreased.Transient Ca^(2+)influx was stimulated caused by hyperosmotic stress,levels of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)phosphorylation decreased,and the level of AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)phosphorylation increased in the early stage.Based on this evidence,autophagy activation through the Ca^(2+)-dependent AMPK/mTOR pathway might represent an adaptation process in LECs under hyperosmotic stress.Hyperosmotic stress decreased cellular viability and accelerated apoptosis in LECs and cellular migration decreased.Inhibition of autophagy by ATG7 knockdown had similar results.TRPV1 overexpression increased autophagy and might be crucial in the occurrence of autophagy promoted by hyperosmotic stress.●CONCLUSION:A combination of hyperosmotic stress and autophagy inhibition may be a promising approach to decrease the number of LECs in the capsular bag and pave the way for improving prevention of posterior capsular opacification and capsular fibrosis.展开更多
Objective:To determine whether alpha lipoic acid(LA)can effectively protect lenses from hydrogen peroxide(H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>)-induced cataract.Methods:Lens from adult Sprague-Dawley...Objective:To determine whether alpha lipoic acid(LA)can effectively protect lenses from hydrogen peroxide(H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>)-induced cataract.Methods:Lens from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured in 24-well plates and treated without or with 0.2 mM of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>,0.2 mM of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> plus 0.5 mM.1.0 mM.or 2.0 mM of LA for 24 h.Cataract was assessed using cross line grey scale measurement.Superoxide dismutase(SOD).glutathione(GSH-Px).lactate dehydrogenase(LDH). and maloudialdehyde(MDA)activity or level in lens homogenates was measured.Apoptosis of lens epithelial cells in each group were detected by Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling(TUNEL) Assay.Results:A total of 0.2 mM of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> induced obvious cataract formation and apoptosis in lens’ epithelial cells,but 0.5-2.0 mM of LA could block the effect of 0.2 mM H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> in inducing cataract and apoptosis.Furthermore.0.2 mM ol H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> significantly decreased SOD.GSH-Px,and LDH activity and significant increased MDA level in the lens,but 0.5-2.0 mM of LA blocked the effect of 0.2 mM H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>.One mM of LA was found to be the most effective. Conclusions:LA can protect lens from H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-induced cataract.LA exerts protective effects through inhibition of lens’ epithelial cell apoptosis and activation of anti-oxidative enzymes.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate human lens epithelium cell apoptosis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by femtosecond laser in femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). METHODS: Sixty cataract ...AIM: To evaluate human lens epithelium cell apoptosis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by femtosecond laser in femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). METHODS: Sixty cataract patients with N2 to N3 stage according to the LOCS III were enrolled in this study and divided into three groups randomly: FLACSl group (cataract surgery by FLACS with LenSx), FLACS2 group (cataract surgery by FLACS with LensAR) and manual group (cataract surgery by phacoemulsification). Patients in two FLACS groups performed anterior capsulotomy by LenSx or LensAR laser system. Patients in the manual group were performed continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (CCC) manually. The anterior capsules were fixed right after moved out of eye. Hematoxylin-eosine staining, immunofluorescence staining and real-time PCR were performed in order to observe human lens epithelium cells changes after cataract surgery. RESULTS: The capsule cutting edge was shown irregularity and roughness in two FLACS groups and smooth edge in manual capsulotomy by pathologic staining. Irregularities of the cell configuration with partly swollen and destroyed nuclei were observed in two FLACS groups. Femtosecond laser could induce a significantly higher cell apoptosis in human lens epithelium cell than manually performed CCC (P〈0.05). Lens epithelium cells apoptosis were correlated with femtosecond laser duration according to Pearson correlation analysis. Decreased N-cadherin expression, alpha-SMA and FSP-1 level in two FLACS groups showed the inhibition of cell EMT. CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser may affect the apoptosis and EMT of lens epithelium cells which are under the peeled central lens capsule.展开更多
The effects of sodium salicylate on the expression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) during oxidative stress in tissue-cultured human lens epithelial cells were investigated. Cultured human lens epithelial cells (HL...The effects of sodium salicylate on the expression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) during oxidative stress in tissue-cultured human lens epithelial cells were investigated. Cultured human lens epithelial cells (HLB-3) were divided into 3 groups: control group (group A), oxidation injury group (group B) and sodium salicylate group (group C). Apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells cultured in vitro was induced in the presence of 150 μmol/L H2O2. Cells viability and the expression of HSP27 were analyzed. Viability of the cells was measured by methyl thiazole tetrazolium (MTT) chromatometry. The expression of HSP27 in HLB-3 cells was detected by using immunohistochemistry and image analysis system, Sodium salicylate could induce the expression of HSP27, and the cells viability in group C was significantly higher than in group B (0.2667±0.01414 vs 0.2150±0.01080, P=0.012〈0.05). The average gray value of HSP27 in group B was less than that in group C (P=0.000〈0.05). The increased expression of HSP27 by sodium salicylate might play an important role in the protection of hydrogen peroxide-induced injury of human lens epithelial cells, suggesting that sodium salicylate could suppress, at least in part, the apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells.展开更多
The apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) induced by ultraviolet and the expression of P53 were investigated. Wistar rats received 100 mW/m 2 ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) (λ=280 nm-315 nm) for 15 min. One, 6, 2...The apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) induced by ultraviolet and the expression of P53 were investigated. Wistar rats received 100 mW/m 2 ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) (λ=280 nm-315 nm) for 15 min. One, 6, 24 h after irradiation the lens capsules were dissected. The percentages of apoptotic cells were evaluated by the TdT-dUTP terminal nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique and the expression of P53 was detected by using immunohistochemical assay. The results showed that the percentages of TUNEL-positive nuclei at 24 h after irradiation was significantly higher than in the control group and those 1 h, 6 h after irradiation. The percentages of P53-positive cells at 6 h, 24 h after irradiation were significantly higher than in the control group and those 1 h after irradiation. It was concluded that UVR could induce the apoptosis of lens epithelial cell. The expression of P53 might be responsible for the apoptosis of lens epithelial cells.展开更多
To investigate the effect of proteasome inhibitor MG132 on the apoptosis of bovine lens epithelial cells (BLECs), the cells were treated with MG132 at different concentrations for12, 24 and 36 h. The cell viability ...To investigate the effect of proteasome inhibitor MG132 on the apoptosis of bovine lens epithelial cells (BLECs), the cells were treated with MG132 at different concentrations for12, 24 and 36 h. The cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay and the effect of MG132 on the apoptosis of BLECs was assessed by flow cytometry (FCM). The results showed that after treatment for the same period, the inhibitory effect of MG132 on BLECs proliferation was enhanced with the increment of the concentration of MG132 (0, 2, 5, 10, μmol/L) (P〈0.05). The 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) was 2.03 μmol/L when the BLECs were treated with MG132 for 36 h. MG132 also induced the apop- tosis of BLECs obviously. FCM showed that the apoptosis index of the cells treated by MG132 at 2 μmol/L for 12 h was (20.24±1.51)%, and that of the control was (0.98±0.20)% respectively (P〈0.01, n=3). It was concluded that MG132 could lead to apoptosis of BLECs. The decrease of proteasome activity may play an important role in the formation and development of cataract.展开更多
AIM:To explore the effect of silent information regulator factor 2-related enzyme 1(SIRT1)on modulating apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells(HLECs)and alleviating lens opacification of rats through suppressing end...AIM:To explore the effect of silent information regulator factor 2-related enzyme 1(SIRT1)on modulating apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells(HLECs)and alleviating lens opacification of rats through suppressing endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress.METHODS:HLECs(SRA01/04)were treated with varying concentrations of tunicamycin(TM)for 24h,and the expression of SIRT1 and C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP)was assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),Western blotting,and immunofluorescence.Cell morphology and proliferation was evaluated using an inverted microscope and cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay,respectively.In the SRA01/04 cell apoptosis model,which underwent siRNA transfection for SIRT1 knockdown and SRT1720 treatment for its activation,the expression levels of SIRT1,CHOP,glucose regulated protein 78(GRP78),and activating transcription factor 4(ATF4)were examined.The potential reversal of SIRT1 knockdown effects by 4-phenyl butyric acid(4-PBA;an ER stress inhibitor)was investigated.In vivo,age-related cataract(ARC)rat models were induced by sodium selenite injection,and the protective role of SIRT1,activated by SRT1720 intraperitoneal injections,was evaluated through morphology observation,hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining,Western blotting,and RT-PCR.RESULTS:SIRT1 expression was downregulated in TMinduced SRA01/04 cells.Besides,in SRA01/04 cells,both cell apoptosis and CHOP expression increased with the rising doses of TM.ER stress was stimulated by TM,as evidenced by the increased GRP78 and ATF4 in the SRA01/04 cell apoptosis model.Inhibition of SIRT1 by siRNA knockdown increased ER stress activation,whereas SRT1720 treatment had opposite results.4-PBA partly reverse the adverse effect of SIRT1 knockdown on apoptosis.In vivo,SRT1720 attenuated the lens opacification and weakened the ER stress activation in ARC rat models.CONCLUSION:SIRT1 plays a protective role against TM-induced apoptosis in HLECs and slows the progression of cataract in rats by inhibiting ER stress.These findings suggest a novel strategy for cataract treatment focused on targeting ER stress,highlighting the therapeutic potential of SIRT1 modulation in ARC development.展开更多
A contributory role of oxidative stress and protection by antioxidant nutrients have been suspected in cataract formation.Ganoderic acid A(GAA),an effective lanostane triterpene,is widely reported as an antioxidant.Th...A contributory role of oxidative stress and protection by antioxidant nutrients have been suspected in cataract formation.Ganoderic acid A(GAA),an effective lanostane triterpene,is widely reported as an antioxidant.The aim of this study is to investigate the potential effects of GAA on cataract formation.After lens epithelial cells(LECs)were exposed to UVB radiation for different periods,cell viability,apoptosis-related protein levels,malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activities were monitored.We found that cell viability,the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and SOD activity were increased,while Cleaved caspase-3 levels and MDA activity were decreased compared with those in UVB-impaired LECs after GAA treated.Furthermore,GAA activated PI3 K/AKT in UVB-impaired LECs and effectively delayed the occurrence of lens opacity in vitro.In conclusion,these findings demonstrated that GAA exhibited protective functions in SRA01/04 cells and rat lenses against UVB-evoked impairment through elevating cell viability and antioxidant activity,inhibiting cell apoptosis,activating the PI3 K/AKT pathway and delaying lens opacity.展开更多
文摘●AIM:To explore whether autophagy functions as a cellular adaptation mechanism in lens epithelial cells(LECs)under hyperosmotic stress.●METHODS:LECs were treated with hyperosmotic stress at the concentration of 270,300,400,500,or 600 mOsm for 6,12,18,24h in vitro.Polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was employed for the mRNA expression of autophagyrelated genes,while Western blotting detected the targeted protein expression.The transfection of stub-RFP-sens-GFPLC3 autophagy-related double fluorescence lentivirus was conducted to detect the level of autophagy flux.Scanning electron microscopy was used to detect the existence of autolysosome.Short interfering RNA of autophagy-related gene(ATG)7,transient receptor potential vanilloid(TRPV)1 overexpression plasmid,related agonists and inhibitors were employed to their influence on autophagy related pathway.Flow cytometry was employed to test the apoptosis and intracellular Ca^(2+)level.Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by JC-1 staining.The cell counting kit-8 assay was used to calculate the cellular viability.The wound healing assay was used to evaluate the wound closure rate.GraphPad 6.0 software was utilized to evaluate the data.●RESULTS:The hyperosmotic stress activated autophagy in a pressure-and time-dependent manner in LECs.Beclin 1 protein expression and conversion of LC3B II to LC3B I increased,whereas sequestosome-1(SQSTM1)protein expression decreased.Transient Ca^(2+)influx was stimulated caused by hyperosmotic stress,levels of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)phosphorylation decreased,and the level of AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)phosphorylation increased in the early stage.Based on this evidence,autophagy activation through the Ca^(2+)-dependent AMPK/mTOR pathway might represent an adaptation process in LECs under hyperosmotic stress.Hyperosmotic stress decreased cellular viability and accelerated apoptosis in LECs and cellular migration decreased.Inhibition of autophagy by ATG7 knockdown had similar results.TRPV1 overexpression increased autophagy and might be crucial in the occurrence of autophagy promoted by hyperosmotic stress.●CONCLUSION:A combination of hyperosmotic stress and autophagy inhibition may be a promising approach to decrease the number of LECs in the capsular bag and pave the way for improving prevention of posterior capsular opacification and capsular fibrosis.
文摘Objective:To determine whether alpha lipoic acid(LA)can effectively protect lenses from hydrogen peroxide(H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>)-induced cataract.Methods:Lens from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured in 24-well plates and treated without or with 0.2 mM of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>,0.2 mM of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> plus 0.5 mM.1.0 mM.or 2.0 mM of LA for 24 h.Cataract was assessed using cross line grey scale measurement.Superoxide dismutase(SOD).glutathione(GSH-Px).lactate dehydrogenase(LDH). and maloudialdehyde(MDA)activity or level in lens homogenates was measured.Apoptosis of lens epithelial cells in each group were detected by Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling(TUNEL) Assay.Results:A total of 0.2 mM of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> induced obvious cataract formation and apoptosis in lens’ epithelial cells,but 0.5-2.0 mM of LA could block the effect of 0.2 mM H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> in inducing cataract and apoptosis.Furthermore.0.2 mM ol H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> significantly decreased SOD.GSH-Px,and LDH activity and significant increased MDA level in the lens,but 0.5-2.0 mM of LA blocked the effect of 0.2 mM H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>.One mM of LA was found to be the most effective. Conclusions:LA can protect lens from H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-induced cataract.LA exerts protective effects through inhibition of lens’ epithelial cell apoptosis and activation of anti-oxidative enzymes.
文摘AIM: To evaluate human lens epithelium cell apoptosis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by femtosecond laser in femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). METHODS: Sixty cataract patients with N2 to N3 stage according to the LOCS III were enrolled in this study and divided into three groups randomly: FLACSl group (cataract surgery by FLACS with LenSx), FLACS2 group (cataract surgery by FLACS with LensAR) and manual group (cataract surgery by phacoemulsification). Patients in two FLACS groups performed anterior capsulotomy by LenSx or LensAR laser system. Patients in the manual group were performed continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (CCC) manually. The anterior capsules were fixed right after moved out of eye. Hematoxylin-eosine staining, immunofluorescence staining and real-time PCR were performed in order to observe human lens epithelium cells changes after cataract surgery. RESULTS: The capsule cutting edge was shown irregularity and roughness in two FLACS groups and smooth edge in manual capsulotomy by pathologic staining. Irregularities of the cell configuration with partly swollen and destroyed nuclei were observed in two FLACS groups. Femtosecond laser could induce a significantly higher cell apoptosis in human lens epithelium cell than manually performed CCC (P〈0.05). Lens epithelium cells apoptosis were correlated with femtosecond laser duration according to Pearson correlation analysis. Decreased N-cadherin expression, alpha-SMA and FSP-1 level in two FLACS groups showed the inhibition of cell EMT. CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser may affect the apoptosis and EMT of lens epithelium cells which are under the peeled central lens capsule.
文摘The effects of sodium salicylate on the expression of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) during oxidative stress in tissue-cultured human lens epithelial cells were investigated. Cultured human lens epithelial cells (HLB-3) were divided into 3 groups: control group (group A), oxidation injury group (group B) and sodium salicylate group (group C). Apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells cultured in vitro was induced in the presence of 150 μmol/L H2O2. Cells viability and the expression of HSP27 were analyzed. Viability of the cells was measured by methyl thiazole tetrazolium (MTT) chromatometry. The expression of HSP27 in HLB-3 cells was detected by using immunohistochemistry and image analysis system, Sodium salicylate could induce the expression of HSP27, and the cells viability in group C was significantly higher than in group B (0.2667±0.01414 vs 0.2150±0.01080, P=0.012〈0.05). The average gray value of HSP27 in group B was less than that in group C (P=0.000〈0.05). The increased expression of HSP27 by sodium salicylate might play an important role in the protection of hydrogen peroxide-induced injury of human lens epithelial cells, suggesting that sodium salicylate could suppress, at least in part, the apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells.
文摘The apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) induced by ultraviolet and the expression of P53 were investigated. Wistar rats received 100 mW/m 2 ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) (λ=280 nm-315 nm) for 15 min. One, 6, 24 h after irradiation the lens capsules were dissected. The percentages of apoptotic cells were evaluated by the TdT-dUTP terminal nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique and the expression of P53 was detected by using immunohistochemical assay. The results showed that the percentages of TUNEL-positive nuclei at 24 h after irradiation was significantly higher than in the control group and those 1 h, 6 h after irradiation. The percentages of P53-positive cells at 6 h, 24 h after irradiation were significantly higher than in the control group and those 1 h after irradiation. It was concluded that UVR could induce the apoptosis of lens epithelial cell. The expression of P53 might be responsible for the apoptosis of lens epithelial cells.
文摘To investigate the effect of proteasome inhibitor MG132 on the apoptosis of bovine lens epithelial cells (BLECs), the cells were treated with MG132 at different concentrations for12, 24 and 36 h. The cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay and the effect of MG132 on the apoptosis of BLECs was assessed by flow cytometry (FCM). The results showed that after treatment for the same period, the inhibitory effect of MG132 on BLECs proliferation was enhanced with the increment of the concentration of MG132 (0, 2, 5, 10, μmol/L) (P〈0.05). The 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) was 2.03 μmol/L when the BLECs were treated with MG132 for 36 h. MG132 also induced the apop- tosis of BLECs obviously. FCM showed that the apoptosis index of the cells treated by MG132 at 2 μmol/L for 12 h was (20.24±1.51)%, and that of the control was (0.98±0.20)% respectively (P〈0.01, n=3). It was concluded that MG132 could lead to apoptosis of BLECs. The decrease of proteasome activity may play an important role in the formation and development of cataract.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists of China(No.82101097)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82070937).
文摘AIM:To explore the effect of silent information regulator factor 2-related enzyme 1(SIRT1)on modulating apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells(HLECs)and alleviating lens opacification of rats through suppressing endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress.METHODS:HLECs(SRA01/04)were treated with varying concentrations of tunicamycin(TM)for 24h,and the expression of SIRT1 and C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP)was assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),Western blotting,and immunofluorescence.Cell morphology and proliferation was evaluated using an inverted microscope and cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay,respectively.In the SRA01/04 cell apoptosis model,which underwent siRNA transfection for SIRT1 knockdown and SRT1720 treatment for its activation,the expression levels of SIRT1,CHOP,glucose regulated protein 78(GRP78),and activating transcription factor 4(ATF4)were examined.The potential reversal of SIRT1 knockdown effects by 4-phenyl butyric acid(4-PBA;an ER stress inhibitor)was investigated.In vivo,age-related cataract(ARC)rat models were induced by sodium selenite injection,and the protective role of SIRT1,activated by SRT1720 intraperitoneal injections,was evaluated through morphology observation,hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining,Western blotting,and RT-PCR.RESULTS:SIRT1 expression was downregulated in TMinduced SRA01/04 cells.Besides,in SRA01/04 cells,both cell apoptosis and CHOP expression increased with the rising doses of TM.ER stress was stimulated by TM,as evidenced by the increased GRP78 and ATF4 in the SRA01/04 cell apoptosis model.Inhibition of SIRT1 by siRNA knockdown increased ER stress activation,whereas SRT1720 treatment had opposite results.4-PBA partly reverse the adverse effect of SIRT1 knockdown on apoptosis.In vivo,SRT1720 attenuated the lens opacification and weakened the ER stress activation in ARC rat models.CONCLUSION:SIRT1 plays a protective role against TM-induced apoptosis in HLECs and slows the progression of cataract in rats by inhibiting ER stress.These findings suggest a novel strategy for cataract treatment focused on targeting ER stress,highlighting the therapeutic potential of SIRT1 modulation in ARC development.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81770906 and 81974129)the Science and Technology Project of Nantong Municipality(Nos.JCZ19088 and JCZ19077)the Project of Nantong Municipal Health Commission(No.QA2019061)。
文摘A contributory role of oxidative stress and protection by antioxidant nutrients have been suspected in cataract formation.Ganoderic acid A(GAA),an effective lanostane triterpene,is widely reported as an antioxidant.The aim of this study is to investigate the potential effects of GAA on cataract formation.After lens epithelial cells(LECs)were exposed to UVB radiation for different periods,cell viability,apoptosis-related protein levels,malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activities were monitored.We found that cell viability,the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and SOD activity were increased,while Cleaved caspase-3 levels and MDA activity were decreased compared with those in UVB-impaired LECs after GAA treated.Furthermore,GAA activated PI3 K/AKT in UVB-impaired LECs and effectively delayed the occurrence of lens opacity in vitro.In conclusion,these findings demonstrated that GAA exhibited protective functions in SRA01/04 cells and rat lenses against UVB-evoked impairment through elevating cell viability and antioxidant activity,inhibiting cell apoptosis,activating the PI3 K/AKT pathway and delaying lens opacity.