Effect of the Sugar Present in the Culture Medium on the Preservation of Human RPE Cell Suspensions.

Purpose: The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is crucial for photoreceptor function, and its dysfunction is associated with several retinal degenerative diseases. This study examines how different sugars in preservation media affect the viability of RPE cells, highlighting the need for effective storage solutions for cell transplantation.

Methods: Human RPE cells were cultured and suspended in modified media with various sugars. The survival rate was measured for cells cultured under adhesion for 3 weeks and for those stored at 37°C for 24 hours. Metabolism was evaluated using liquid chromatography, whereas the responses to hypoxia were assessed with specific markers.

Results: Fructose-containing media significantly enhanced RPE cell survival, even under hypoxic conditions. In adherent cultures, fructose showed higher survival rates compared to galactose, which had a notably low survival rate. Chromatography results indicated that fructose played a role in non-anaerobic metabolism, helping to explain its effectiveness. In suspension, fructose maintained higher cell viability than glucose and suppressed hypoxia markers, suggesting increased resistance to hypoxic stress.

Conclusions: The study highlights the critical role of sugar composition in preservation media on RPE cell survival, positioning fructose as a potential enhancer. Its antioxidative properties suggest fructose could be effective in suspension preservation. These findings indicate that fructose-containing media are promising for preserving RPE cells and could have broader applications in preserving various cell types and tissues.

Translational Relevance: The results of this study may allow for longer-term storage of RPE cells, potentially increasing the versatility of cell transplantation therapy.