The protective effect of simvastatin against ultraviolet B-induced corneal endothelial cell death

PURPOSE: Excessive ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure causing corneal endothelium injury, including apoptosis, is a serious condition. Therefore, drugs that can inhibit apoptosis in corneal endothelial cells represent an effective strategy. Simvastatin is widely used as a specific inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase, can reduce levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. However, the protective effect of simvastatin on corneal endothelial cells remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate whether UVB promotes the initiation of apoptosis in corneal endothelial cells and injury reversible by simvastatin treatment. METHODS: We detected the cell viability, subG1 population, and caspase-3 activity. RESULTS: Results showed that simvastatin alleviates UVB-induced cell death, cell apoptosis, and caspase-3 activity. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that simvastatin alleviated UVB-induced corneal endothelial cell apoptosis via caspase-3 activity.