FIGURE 9.

Overexpression of Nrf2 reduces CSE induced ER stress and protects RPE cells from apoptosis. ARPE-19 cells were transduced with Ad-Nrf2 or Ad-LacZ for 24 h, followed by CSE treatment for additional 24 h. A, protein level of Nrf2, CHOP, p-p38, and cleaved-caspase-3 were determined by Western blotting. B, semiquantification of Nrf2, CHOP, p-p38, and cleaved-caspase-3 (normalized with β-actin) by densitometry. C, apoptosis was examined by TUNEL assay after CSE treatment for 24 h. Scale Bar: 100 μm. D, quantification of TUNEL-positive cells from C). E, cell death was examined using in situ Trypan Blue staining after CSE treatment for 24 h. Arrow shows Trypan Blue- stained cells. Scale Bar: 100 μm. F, quantification of dead cells (Trypan Blue-stained cells). All data were expressed as mean ± S.D., from three independent experiments. *, p < 0.05; **, p < 0.01 versus Ad-lacZ; #, p < 0.05; ##, p < 0.01, versus Ad-LacZ + CSE.