Prevention of experimental ultraviolet induced apoptosis in explanted human lens epithelial cells enriched with caffeine: a pilot study

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and until now there is no approved drug to prevent cataract. UVR-B radiation has been identified as one of the major risk factors for age related cataract. Recently, a study confirmed the protective effect of coffee combined with additional antioxidant dietary against age-related cataract. Its hydrophobic properties allow caffeine passage over all biological membranes. We found (data not published yet) that caffeine after oral intake accumulates in the lens epithelium. The present study aims to investigate if caffeine accumulation in human lens epithelial cells after oral caffeine intake is sufficient to prevent from experimental ultraviolet radiation induced apoptosis.