Low-dose rotenone exposure induces early senescence leading to late apoptotic signaling cascade in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cell line: An in vitro glaucoma model

This study aimed to determine whether the prolonged exposure of the human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cell line to a low dose (1 nM) of rotenone could simulate a glaucomatous‐like condition and serve as a cellular model for its etiological analysis. Under 1‐nM rotenone exposure for 24–72 h, HTM cells showed a decrease in cell viability as assessed by an MTT assay and showed mitochondrial dysfunction as assessed by measuring H2DCFDA fluorescence; a decrease in ATP level was also observed. Flow cytometric analysis showed an increase in cellular size and granularity. Elevated AF showed initial senescence. LF staining with SBB and its spectrofluorometric quantification confirmed growth arrest. An accumulation of cytoplasmic myocilin, IL‐6, and MMP‐9 at 72 h of exposure supported glaucomatous induction. TEM revealed morphological changes in mitochondria and nuclei of treated cells. Signaling cascades were assessed by immunoblotting and immunocytochemical analysis. This study showed a shift in status of the cells from initial senescence to induction of apoptosis in the HTM cell line due to continuous low‐dose exposure to rotenone; however, at 72 h, both senescence and apoptotic features are apparent in these cells. This is the first report that reveals the potential of a prolonged low‐dose exposure of rotenone to simulate senescence in the HTM cell line to cause a glaucomatous condition.