AIM: To discuss the protective effects and possible mechanisms of 17β-estradiol on human retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cells induced by high glucose.

METHODS: RPE cells were cultured and divided into four groups according to randomized controlled method: blank control group: the cells were treated with 5.5mmol/L routine glucose medium for processing; high glucose group: cells were treated with 100mmol/L glucose for 12h; 17β-estradiol low concentration group: after treated with 10 μmol/L 17β-estradiol, cells were treated with 100mmol/L glucose for 12h; 17β-estradiol high concentration group: after treated with 100 μmol/L 17β-estradiol, cells were treated with 100mmol/L glucose for 12h. Cell viability were tested by MTT colorimetric detection. Cells apoptosis were detected by Hochest33258 staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)level were detected by H₂DCFDA staining. Expression of CAT, SOD and MDA were tested by colorimetric detection.

RESULTS: RPE cell activity decreased with the concentration of glucose increased; 17β-estradiol inhibited high glucose-induced cell viability decrease in RPE cells, decreased the apoptosis rate of RPE cells and intracellular ROS generation; besides, 17β-estradiol significantly increased the expression of CAT, SOD and decreased the expression of MDA in RPE cells.

CONCLUSION: The 17β-estradiol effectively inhibited high glucose -induced RPE cells damage, which provide reliable experimental basis for the treatment of injuries in RPE cells.