Oxya chinensis sinuosa extracts protects ARPE-19 cells against oxidative stress via activation of the MAPKs/NF-κB pathway

Oxya chinensis sinuosa (OC) is a well-known edible insect. Several researches on the health benefits of OC consumption have been performed to date; however, their effect on eye health remains largely unknown. This study aimed to assess the protective effects of OC extracts on the oxidative stress on the RPE (retinal pigment epithelium) cells. Oxidative damage has been identified as a one of the key regulatory factors in age-related macular degeneration. H₂O₂-induced ROS production, a well-known oxidative stress factor, can cause cell death in retinal pigment epithelia cells. In this study, we found that three OC extracts effectively prevented H₂O₂-induced ROS production and subsequent death of ARPE-19 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the OC extracts inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) including p38, JNK, and ERK. The OC extracts restored IκBα degradation induced by H₂O₂, indicating that OC extracts suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-κB. Here we demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of the OC extracts on ARPE-19, indicating their potential role in improving eye health. These results suggest that three OC extracts plays a critical role in oxidative stress-induced cell death protects in ARPE-19 cells.