Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
Retinal Pathophysiological Evaluation in a Rat Model
Published on: May 6, 2022
CTGFsiRNA ameliorates retinal cells apoptosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Hong-Wei Yang1, Xiao-Long Chen, Zhe-Li Liu
1Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
Aim:
To detect the effect of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) on the apoptosis in the diabetic retina with small interfering RNAs (siRNA) targeting CTGF.
Methods:
A total of 60 rats were divided into 6 groups including control group, diabetic 4, 8, 12, 16 weeks groups, and interference group. Diabetic rats were induced by intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ). Retinas were obtained from control, diabetic rats and diabetic rats of interference group treated by intravitreal injection of CTGFsiRNA to suppress the expression of CTGF mRNA. Retinal cells apoptosis was detected by Tunnel staining and mRNA expression of CTGF was analyzed by RT-PCR.
Results:
The levels of CTGF and the apoptosis in the retinas of diabetic rats were significantly higher than those in the controls. Apoptosis occurred at 4 weeks after a diabetic model being set up, became serious with the diabetes developing, while CTGF elevated at 8 weeks. The apoptosis cell counts increased to 25.8cells/mm(2) at 24weeks of diabetes. SiRNA-mediated inhibition of CTGF mRNA resulted in a significant decrease in apoptosis. Significant correlations were found between CTGF and apoptosis in the retina.
Conclusion:
It was suggested that CTGF might be involved in retinal cells apoptosis which is a characteristic of early diabetic retina. SiRNA targeting CTGF seems to have the advantage of ameliorating retinal cells apoptosis.
Insights
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is implicated in diabetic retinal apoptosis. Inhibiting CTGF with small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly reduced retinal cell death, suggesting a therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diabetology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss.
- Retinal cell apoptosis is a key pathological feature in diabetic retinopathy.
- The role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in this process requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of CTGF on retinal cell apoptosis in a diabetic rat model.
- To evaluate the efficacy of targeting CTGF using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in mitigating diabetic retinal apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- A streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model was established.
- Retinal apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL staining.
- Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA levels were quantified via RT-PCR.
- Diabetic rats received intravitreal injections of CTGF-targeting siRNA.
Main Results:
- Diabetic retinas exhibited significantly elevated CTGF levels and increased apoptosis compared to controls.
- Apoptosis was detectable as early as 4 weeks and CTGF levels rose by 8 weeks in diabetic rats.
- siRNA-mediated suppression of CTGF significantly reduced retinal cell apoptosis.
- A strong correlation was observed between CTGF levels and retinal apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a role in early diabetic retinal apoptosis.
- Targeting CTGF with siRNA demonstrates a promising therapeutic strategy for ameliorating apoptosis in diabetic retinopathy.
