Effects of lutein on the growth and migration of bovine lens epithelial cells in vitro.

The effects of lutein on the growth and migration of bovine lens epithelial cells (BLECs) in vitro were observed in an attempt to find a drug that can prevent after-cataract. BLECs were cultured in vitro and different concentrations of lutein were added to the BLECs cultures of the second and third generations. The effects of lutein on the proliferation of BLECs in vitro were examined by the MTT method, and the migration of BLECs was evaluated by a scratch wound assay. The results showed that: (1) Lutein at concentrations of 1 to 16 micromol/L could inhibit the proliferation of BLECs in a dose-and time-dependent manner (P<0.01): (2) The migration of BLECs was evaluated by wound healing rate. As compared with the control group, the wound healing rate in the experimental groups was decreased from 0.672+/-0.164 to -0.234+/-0.144 and -0.597+/-0.063 (P<0.01) at 1 and 2 micromol/L lutein, respectively. It was concluded that lutein at concentration of >or=1 micromol/L inhibited the proliferation and migration of BLECs in vitro. Lutein may become an effective drug to prevent after-cataract.