Lutein protects against β-amyloid peptide-induced oxidative stress in cerebrovascular endothelial cells through modulation of Nrf-2 and NF-κb.

In the present study, we determined the protective role of lutein against Aβ peptide-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in bEND.3 cells. Cell viability was determined through MTT assay. Reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxides, and antioxidant enzyme activities were evaluated to analyze the oxidative stress status. NF-κB and Nrf-2 downstream target protein expressions were determined through western blot. Apoptosis was analyzed through caspase activities and subG1 accumulation. The results showed that Aβ significantly increased (p < 0.001) oxidative stress biomarkers. Aβ significantly up-regulated NF-κB nuclear expression and down-regulated Nrf-2 levels and HO-1 and, NQO-1 expressions. Aβ induced apoptosis through decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential and increasing caspase 9 and 3 activities. Lutein pre-treatment significantly (p < 0.001) improved cell viability and decreased ROS levels (p < 0.001) and lipid peroxidation (p < 0.01). Lutein prevented Aβ -induced NF-κB nuclear expressions and up-regulated Nrf-2 expressions. Further, lutein also improved mitochondrial membrane potential and down-regulated caspase activities and subG1 accumulation. The present study shows the protective role of lutein against Aβ -induced toxicity by modulating Nrf-2 and NF-κB expressions in cerebrovascular endothelial cells.