Modulation of MMP9 and AKT by Escin in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells: Exploring Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Escin molecule obtained from horse chestnut seed extract on retinal pigment epithelial cell lines (ARPE-19). Methods: In this research, the ARPE-19 cell line, which is a commercially available retinal pigment epithelial cell line derived from the normal eyes of a 19-year-old male, was utilized. Escin was administered to the cells in varying concentrations of 100, 50, 10, 5, and 1 micromolar throughout a 48-hour timeframe. The IC50 concentration was subsequently determined through MTT cell viability assays. To determine cell migration, a wound healing assay was executed. To quantify MMP9 and AKT protein levels, analysis was conducted using Western blot. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of EGF, EGFR, PDGF-β, PDGFβ-R, and HIF1A were analyzed using RT-PCR. Results: Escin inhibited cell migration in RPE cells. Western blot analysis showed that escin decreased the levels of AKT and MMP9 proteins. Furthermore, it was found that the mRNA expression levels of PDGFß, PDGFβ-R, and HIF1A were suppressed following escin administration. Conclusion: Escin has the potential to slow disease progression by suppressing cell migration in retinal pigment epithelial cells. With its anti-angiogenic properties, escin shows promise for developing new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of retinal diseases.