Abstract

Rhizoma Paridis total saponins (RPTS) is an active substance isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Rhizoma Paridis, which possesses multiple biological activities. The aim of the present study was to explore the roles and mechanisms of RPTS in oxidative stress injury of ARPE‑19 human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and apoptosis were determined by Cell Counting kit‑8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect the expression of oxidative stress markers. Western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to determine the expression levels of related genes and proteins. The results revealed that RPTS enhanced cell viability and reduced H2O2‑induced oxidative stress of ARPE‑19 human retinal pigment epithelial cells. RPTS increased the MMP of ARPE‑19 cells compared with in H2O2‑treated ARPE‑19 cells. In addition, RPTS suppressed ROS production and apoptosis of H2O2‑treated ARPE‑19 cells. Additionally, RPTS modulated the expression levels of apoptosis‑associated proteins and the nuclear factor 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. In conclusion, RPTS alleviated H2O2‑induced oxidative stress injury by upregulating the Nrf2 pathway. The potential effects of RPTS on protection against H2O2‑induced apoptosis of ARPE‑19 cells suggested that RPTS may be a potential therapeutic target for preventing age‑related macular degeneration.