Resveratrol Modulates Oxidative Status in Rose Bengal Photosensitized Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Eye exposure to high light intensities can produce a photochemical damage to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), leading to severe pathologies. RPE D407 cells treated with Resveratrol (RSV, 100 μM, 24h) +/photosensitizer Rose Bengal (RB, 500 nM, 1h) were exposed to green LED light. Cell viability and level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced after exposure to green light +/RB were evaluated by MTT, respectively ROS assays. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine GSH level and enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GPx). Green LED light alone reduced cell viability with 30%, but a 40% reduction was observed in the presence of RB. RSV proved to have a strong positive impact, with a 20% increase in the viability of D407 cells exposed to green LED light. Viability of D407 cells exposed to green LED light +/+ RB in the presence of RSV remained unchanged comparing to corresponding control. RSV blocked the intracellular ROS production, stimulated or restored the antioxidant enzymes activities and increased the level of reduced GSH in cells exposed to green LED light +/RB. Our data came to support the potential use of RSV as protecting agent of retina’s antioxidant defence system in light-induced stress.