Purpose: Study the role of p38MAPKs pathway in the growth inhibition of rabbit lens epithelial cells(LECs) induced by green tea extract (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).
Methods: (1) MTT colormetric assay was used to study the effect of p38 specific inhibitors SB203580 on LECs growth. (2) MTT colormetric was used to study the effect of SB203580 on LECs growth inhibition induced by EGCG. (3) Western blotting methods was used to study the effect of EGCG on the kinase phosphorylation- and nonphosphorylation-level of p38.
Results: (1) When LECs were preincubated with 25 mumol/L, 50 mumol/L SB203580 for 1 h, 100 mumol/L EGCG had little influence on LECs proliferation. It showed great protects effect significantly when increased to 200 mumol/L. (2) Basic phosphorylation-level of p38 were very weak in LECs, but it increased with EGCG concentration increased and reached maximum at 200 mumol/L. 15 min after 200 mumol/L was added, the phosphorylation-level was the highest and began to fall, but even at the end of our test, it still stayed higher than that of basic level. The nonphosphorylation-level of p38 remained stable in all test.
Conclusions: The LECs proliferation inhibition induced by EGCG is through p38 pathway at lease partially.