Polyphenolics extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum protect against ultraviolet B-induced oxidative damage in mouse retinal Müller cells

Long-term exposure to sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV), induces eye injury in people. We investigated the protective potential of Polyphenolic extract from Ascophyllum nodosum (PEAn) against UV-B-induced oxidative damage in retinal Müller cells (RMCs). In the UV-B-induced damage model of RMCs, PEAn demonstrated a potent photoprotective effect that reduced oxidative damage and apoptosis. PEAn significantly regulated the concentrations of ROS, Caspase-3, and Calcium ions (Ca2+) in RMCs generated by UV-B. The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and activities of various antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) were significantly increased, whereas the MDA was reduced. Lipidomic research in RMCs also revealed that UV-B irradiation significantly altered the lipid compounds in the cells, while PEAn therapy gradually restored normal cells. Both the accumulation of triacylglycerides and the toxicity of the lipids in RMCs were simultaneously reduced by PEAn. The findings indicated that PEAn could be a potential natural photochemical protectant against UV-B-induced oxidative damage.