Lutein upregulates the PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM expression by AMPK activation and downregulates ROS to maintain mtDNA integrity and mitochondrial biogenesis in hyperglycemic ARPE-19 cells and rat retina.

Hyperglycemia (HG) affects cellular organelle including mitochondrion in retina that diminishes mitochondrial biogenesis by downregulation of nuclear transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to diabetic retinopathy (DR). Carotenoids reported to modulate mitochondrial biogenesis in HG. Aim of the study was to explore the role of lutein, oxidized lutein (purified upon UV oxidation of lutein) and drug metformin, on mitochondrial biogenesis in HG-induced ARPE-19 cells and rat retina. Results showed higher uptake of lutein and oxidized lutein in ARPE-19 cells and rat retina of HG group than the control groups. Further, lutein and oxidized lutein augmented the AMPK phosphorylation and activation of mitochondrion signaling molecule TFAM (protein expression) and mRNA expression of PGC-1α, TFAM, and nuclear respiratory factor 1 (responsible for mitochondria biogenesis) along with lowered reactive oxygen species in HG compared with control and metformin groups. Higher mRNA expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunits mt-ND1, mt-ND4, mt-ND6, and cytochrome C that aid maintenance of mtDNA integrity was also evidenced. To conclude, lutein and oxidized lutein found to upsurge mitochondrial biogenesis in ARPE-19 cells and rat retina under HG, which may be due to upregulation of AMPK phosphorylation. Finally, lutein and oxidized lutein may provide a therapeutic basis to ameliorate HG-induced DR.