Abstract

Blueberry Anthocyanin (BBA) has been proved to be beneficial to eyes and it could protect human Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) cells, which perform essential functions for visual process, from light and oxidative damages. However, fundamental information about the effects of BBA on the growth of normal RPE cells is scarce. In the present study, the influences of BBA on the growth morphology, viability, cell cycle, Ki67 and PI3K/MAPK expression of RPE cells were investigated. RPE cells treated with 50 &mu g/mL BBA demonstrated a predominant polygonal morphology in mosaic arrangement, a better platform growing status, statistically higher viability, an increase in S-phase and more Ki67+cells. But neither pAkt nor pERK was detected in both groups. In conclusion, BBA could maintain high cell viability, boost DNA synthesis and preserve high percent of continuous cycling cells to promote cell survival and division without changing cellular morphology. The growth promotion effect of BBA might play a role in its damage-protective activities.

Keywords:

Blueberry anthocyanin, morphology, proliferation, retinal pigment epithelial cells, survival,

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The authors have no competing interests.

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