Role of Glutathione Peroxidase 4 in Conjunctival Epithelial Cells

PURPOSE. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) in conjunctival epithelial cells. METHODS. An immortalized human conjunctival epithelial cell line was used. Cells were transfected with catalase, GPx1, GPx4, SOD1, SOD2, or control siRNA. Knockdown was confirmed by RT-PCR and immunoblotting. The cytotoxicity induced by knockdown of these antioxidant enzymes was examined by assay of LDH activity. Furthermore, evaluations of lipid peroxidation, cellular levels of reactive oxygen species, cell proliferation, and apoptosis were conducted in cells treated with GPx4 or control siRNA. In oxidative stress study, cells treated with GPx4 or control siRNA were applied with hydrogen peroxide or ferric sulfide, and their cytotoxicity was evaluated by assay of LDH activity. RESULTS. Small interfering RNA of catalase, GPx1, GPx4, SOD1, and SOD2 siRNA remarkably inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of each gene. Knockdown of GPx4 and SOD1 but not catalase, GPx1, and SOD2 significantly induced cytotoxicity. Glutathione peroxidase 4 knockdown increased lipid oxidation and reactive oxygen species. The proliferation of GPx4 siRNA-treated cells was reduced compared with control siRNA-treated cells. Moreover, cell death in GPx4 siRNA-treated cells was characterized by positive staining for annexin V. In an oxidation stress study, GPx4 siRNA knockdown enhanced the cytotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide or ferric sulfide. CONCLUSION. These results suggest that GPx4 is essential for maintaining oxidative homeostasis and keeping defense against oxidative stress in conjunctival epithelial cells.