Photo-products of retinal pigment epithelial bisretinoids react with cellular thiols
2011
How Glutathione Interacts with Retinal Pigment Compounds
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Yoon Kee Dong, Yamamoto Kazunori, Zhou Jilin, Sparrow Janet R.
Primary Institution: Columbia University
Hypothesis
Can glutathione neutralize photodegradation products of bisretinoids like A2E?
Conclusion
Glutathione can reduce and form adducts with photooxidized A2E, potentially limiting its reactivity and aiding in its elimination from cells.
Supporting Evidence
- GSH can donate hydrogen atoms to photooxidized A2E.
- Adducts formed noncatalytically and by glutathione-S-transferase mediation.
- Reduction by GSH likely limits the reactivity of bisretinoid photoproducts.
Takeaway
This study shows that a substance called glutathione can help protect eye cells from damage caused by light exposure to certain compounds that build up in the eye.
Methodology
The study used cell-free assays and mass spectrometry to measure the interaction between glutathione and photooxidized A2E.
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