The Effect of Trans-Resveratrol on The Viability of Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells

In vitro models using cell culture are frequently used to investigate cellular effects of trans-resveratrol as it has been shown to possess chemotherapeutic, anti-aging, neuroprotective, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant properties. Since trans-resveratrol was shown to lower intraocular pressure in oculonorniotensive rats and rats with steroid-induced oculohypertension, use of normal and steroid-treated human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) will provide a useful in vitro model for further studies. However, the effect of trans-resveratrol on the viability of HTMC has not been investigated. Therefore, the present study investigated the concentration- and time-dependent effect of trans-resveratrol on viability of HTMCs. HTMCs were treated with trans-resveratrol (3.125-50 mu M) for 2, 5 and 7 days in the presence and absence of dexamethasone. The viability was assessed using MTS assay and the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was calculated using a regression analysis. A significant decrease in cell viability was observed when cells were treated with 50 mu M trans-resveratrol, both in the presence or absence of dexamethasone. This effect of trans-resveratrol was independent of the duration of treatment, The CC50 of trans-resveratrol in the presence of dexamethasone was 1.47, 1.60 and 1.47 folds higher compared to that in the absence of dexamethasone. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that incubation of HTMCs with trans-resveratrol up to a concentration of 25 mu M does not affect the viability but at 50 mu M, it significantly reduces viability both in the presence or absence of dexamethasone. This effect of trans-resveratrol on the viability of HTM cells is dose-dependent but not time-dependent.