Oxidative Damage to Human Lens Epithelial Cells in Culture: Estrogen Protection of Mitochondrial Potential, ATP, and Cell Viability

Abstract

The present study indicates that both 17alpha- and 17beta-E(2) can preserve mitochondrial function, cell viability, and ATP levels in human lens cells during oxidative stress. Although the precise mechanism responsible for protection by the estradiols against oxidative stress remains to be determined, the ability of nonfeminizing estrogens, which do not bind to estrogen receptors, to protect against H(2)O(2) toxicity indicates that this conservation is not likely to be mediated through classic estrogen receptors.