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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
A Protocol to Evaluate and Quantify Retinal Pigmented Epithelium Pathologies in Mouse Models of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Published on: March 10, 2023
Retinal structure and function preservation by polysaccharides of wolfberry in a mouse model of retinal degeneration
1Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
Abstract:
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders caused by mutations in a variety of genes that are mostly expressed by rod cells, which results in initial death of rod photoreceptors followed by gradual death of cone photoreceptors. RP is currently untreatable and usually leads to partial or complete blindness. Here, we explored the potential neuroprotective effects of polysaccharides of wolfberry, which are long known to possess primary beneficial properties in the eyes, on photoreceptor apoptosis in the rd10 mouse model of RP. We found that these polysaccharides provided long-term morphological and functional preservation of photoreceptors and improved visual behaviors in rd10 mice. Moreover, we demonstrated that polysaccharides exerted neuroprotective effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Furthermore, we identified that polysaccharides modulated inflammation and apoptosis partly through inhibition of NF-κB and HIF-1α expressions, respectively. Overall, we demonstrated the synergistic protective effects of polysaccharides in preserving photoreceptors against degeneration in rd10 mice. Our study provides rationale and scientific support on using polysaccharides of wolfberry as one supplementary treatment of RP patients in the future.
Insights
Wolfberry polysaccharides protect vision in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) mice by preserving photoreceptors. These compounds offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic benefits, suggesting future therapeutic potential for RP patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal degeneration leading to progressive vision loss.
- Current treatments for RP are limited, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) possesses known ocular health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective effects of wolfberry polysaccharides on photoreceptor apoptosis in the rd10 mouse model of RP.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways.
Main Methods:
- Administration of wolfberry polysaccharides to rd10 mice.
- Assessment of photoreceptor morphology and function.
- Evaluation of visual behavior.
- Analysis of key molecular markers related to oxidative stress, inflammation (NF-κB), and apoptosis (HIF-1α).
Main Results:
- Wolfberry polysaccharides significantly preserved photoreceptor structure and function in rd10 mice.
- Improved visual behaviors were observed in treated rd10 mice.
- Neuroprotection was mediated by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, including inhibition of NF-κB and HIF-1α.
Conclusions:
- Wolfberry polysaccharides demonstrate synergistic protective effects against photoreceptor degeneration in a mouse model of RP.
- These findings provide a scientific rationale for exploring wolfberry polysaccharides as a supplementary treatment for retinitis pigmentosa.
