The integrity of retinal pigment epithelial cells is critical for photoreceptor cell survival and vision. The essential omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid, attains its highest concentration in the human body in photoreceptors. Docosahexaenoic acid is the essential precursor of neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1). NPD1 acts against apoptosis mediated by A2E, a byproduct of phototransduction that becomes toxic when it accumulates in aging retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and in some inherited retinal degenerations. Here we also describe that neurotrophins, mainly pigment epithelium-derived factor, induce NPD1 synthesis and its polarized apical secretion, suggesting paracrine and autocrine bioactivity of this lipid mediator. In addition, DHA elicits a concentration-dependent and selective potentiation of pigment epithelial-derived factor-stimulated NPD1 synthesis and release through the apical RPE cell surface. The bioactivity of signaling activated by PEDF and DHA demonstrates synergistic cytoprotection when cells were challenged with oxidative stress, resulting in concomitant NPD1 synthesis.
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Bazan, N.G. (2008). Neurotrophins Induce Neuroprotective Signaling in the Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell by Activating the Synthesis nl of the Anti-inflammatory and Anti-apoptotic Neuroprotectin D1. In: Anderson, R.E., LaVail, M.M., Hollyfield, J.G. (eds) Recent Advances in Retinal Degeneration. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 613. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-74904-4_3
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