Cytoprotective Effects of Water Soluble Dihydropyrimidinthione Derivative Against UV-B Induced Human Corneal Epithelial Cell Photodamage.

Abstract

Excessive UV-B exposure is well known to be a risk factor for corneal phototoxicity including direct DNA damage and disturbances in the antioxidant balance. Here, we showed a successful synthesis of a water-soluble and biocompatible small molecule DHPM 1 with dihydropyrimidinthione skeleton, which could effectively protect human corneal epithelial (HCE-2) cells from UV-B damage. In separate experiments, DHPM 1 absorbed UV-B rays and exhibited scavenging activity against intracellular ROS induced by UV-B radiation, thereby reducing the levels of DNA fragmentation. Additionally, UV-B exposure increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3, as well as the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 at protein levels, while pretreatment with DHPM 1 significantly reversed these changes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a study based on dihydropyrimidinthione derivatives to develop a promising eye drops, which may well find extensive applications in UV-B caused corneal damage.

• Authors: Enming Du, Guojuan Pu, Siyu He, Fangyuan Qin, Yange Wang, Gang Wang, Zongming Song, Junjie Zhang, Ye Tao
• Journal: Frontiers in pharmacology (Front Pharmacol) Vol. 12 Pg. 732833 ( 2021) ISSN: 1663-9812 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 34744716 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021 Du, Pu, He, Qin, Wang, Wang, Song, Zhang and Tao.