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Published on: August 26, 2018
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Reduce Microglial Activation and Neurodegenerative Events in Light Damaged Retina
Lavinia Fiorani1, Maurizio Passacantando2, Sandro Santucci2
1Department of Applied Clinical Science and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito II, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
Abstract:
The first target of any therapy for retinal neurodegeneration is to slow down the progression of the disease and to maintain visual function. Cerium oxide or ceria nanoparticles reduce oxidative stress, which is known to play a pivotal role in neurodegeneration. Our aim was to investigate whether cerium oxide nanoparticles were able to mitigate neurodegeneration including microglial activation and related inflammatory processes induced by exposure to high intensity light. Cerium oxide nanoparticles were injected intravitreally or intraveinously in albino Sprague-Dawley rats three weeks before exposing them to light damage of 1000 lux for 24 h. Electroretinographic recordings were performed a week after light damage. The progression of retinal degeneration was evaluated by measuring outer nuclear layer thickness and TUNEL staining to quantify photoreceptors death. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate retinal stress, neuroinflammatory cytokines and microglial activation. Only intravitreally injected ceria nanoparticles were detected at the level of photoreceptor outer segments 3 weeks after the light damage and electoretinographic recordings showed that ceria nanoparticles maintained visual response. Moreover, this treatment reduced neuronal death and "hot spot" extension preserving the outer nuclear layer morphology. It is noteworthy that in this work we demonstrated, for the first time, the ability of ceria nanoparticles to reduce microglial activation and their migration toward outer nuclear layer. All these evidences support ceria nanoparticles as a powerful therapeutic agent in retinal neurodegenerative processes.
Insights
Intravitreal cerium oxide nanoparticles protect against light-induced retinal neurodegeneration by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This therapy preserves visual function and outer nuclear layer morphology in rats.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Retinal neurodegeneration is characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Maintaining visual function is crucial in treating retinal neurodegenerative diseases.
- Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) are known for their antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of nanoceria in mitigating light-induced retinal neurodegeneration.
- To assess the effect of nanoceria on oxidative stress, inflammation, and microglial activation.
- To evaluate the impact of nanoceria on visual function and retinal structure.
Main Methods:
- Albino Sprague-Dawley rats received intravitreal or intravenous nanoceria injections.
- Rats were exposed to high-intensity light (1000 lux for 24 h) to induce retinal damage.
- Visual function was assessed using electroretinography.
- Retinal degeneration was quantified by measuring outer nuclear layer thickness and TUNEL staining.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and microglial activation.
Main Results:
- Intravitreally administered nanoceria were localized to photoreceptor outer segments.
- Nanoceria treatment preserved visual responses, as shown by electroretinography.
- Neuronal death and "hot spot" extension were reduced, maintaining outer nuclear layer morphology.
- For the first time, nanoceria demonstrated a reduction in microglial activation and migration.
Conclusions:
- Intravitreal nanoceria show significant therapeutic potential for retinal neurodegeneration.
- Nanoceria mitigate light-induced retinal damage by reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
- This study highlights nanoceria as a promising agent for preserving visual function in retinal diseases.
