Solanum melongena L. Extract Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Blue Light-Induced Phototoxicity in In Vitro and In Vivo Models

N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E) accumulation in the retina is a prominent marker of retinal degenerative diseases. Blue light exposure is considered as an important factor contributing to dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Eggplant and its constituents have been shown to confer health benefits, but their therapeutic effects on dry AMD remain incompletely understood. In this study, we showed that an extract of Solanum melongena L. (EPX) protected A2E-laden ARPE-19 cells against blue light-induced cell death via attenuating reactive oxygen species. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that blue light modulated the expression of genes associated with stress response, inflammation, and cell death, and EPX suppressed the inflammatory pathway induced by blue light in A2E-laden ARPE-19 cells by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B and transcription of pro-inflammatory genes (CXCL8 and IL1B). The degradation of intracellular A2E was considered the major mechanism underlying the protective effect of EPX. Moreover, chlorogenic acid isolated from EPX exerted protective effects against blue light-induced cell damage in A2E-laden ARPE-19 cells. In vivo, EPX administration in BALB/c mice reduced the fundus damage and degeneration of the retinal layer in a blue light-induced retinal damage model. Collectively, our findings suggest the potential role of Solanum melongena L. extract for AMD treatment.

Automated summary

The study showed that an extract from Solanum melongena L. (eggplant) protected against blue light-induced cell death and inflammation in A2E-laden cells, potentially through the degradation of A2E. Chlorogenic acid isolated from the eggplant extract also exerted protective effects. In vivo, administration of the extract reduced retinal damage in a blue light-induced retinal damage model in mice, suggesting a potential role in AMD treatment.