Does depletion of intracellular zinc and copper with TPEN result in apoptosis of cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells?
The present results suggest that depletion of intracellular zinc and copper, but not copper alone, may be harmful to RPE cells, directly inducing apoptosis or indirectly increasing vulnerability of RPE cells to UV injury. The present culture model may be useful for gaining insights into the mechanisms of zinc depletion-associated RPE cell degeneration.
Plasma total homocysteine concentration is independently associated with occurrence of fractures in men and premenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. Future prospective studies are warranted to clarify the relationship.