Comparative Efficiency of Lutein and Astaxanthin in the Protection of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells In Vitro from Blue-Violet Light Photo-Oxidative Damage

The aim of this study was to compare in vitro the protective and antioxidant properties lutein astaxanthin on human primary corneal epithelial cells (HCE-F). To purpose, HCE-F were irradiated with a blue-violet light lamp (415–420 nm) at different energies (20 80 J/cm2). Lutein (50 250 μM) added right before irradiation 50 J/cm2. Viability evaluated by CKK-8 assay while production reactive oxygen species (ROS) H2DCF-DA assay. Results have shown that viability decreased from 20 J/cm2 J/cm2, ROS increased presence or protected phototoxicity, slightly more efficient than also blunting ROS, prevention apoptotic cell death modulation Nrf-2 pathway. association did not give significant advantage over use alone. Taken together, these results suggest might be useful protect ocular surface short (lutein) longer (astaxanthin) wavelengths, as are most damaging radiations hitting eye many LED screens solar light.