Role of sorbitol-mediated cellular stress response in obesity-associated retinal degeneration

Obesity is a global health problem associated with several diseases including ocular complications. Earlier we reported progressive retinal degeneration because of obesity in a spontaneous obese rat (WNIN/Ob) model. In the current study, we examined the molecular mechanisms leading to retinal degeneration in WNIN/Ob rat.

Sorbitol was estimated by the fluorometric method in the retina of WNIN/Ob rats at different age (3-, 6- and 12- months), along with their respective lean rats. Immunoblotting was performed in the retina to assess the status of the insulin signaling pathway, ER stress and cellular stress (p38MAPK and ERK1/2). Human SK-N-SH cells were treated with 0.5 and 1.0 M sorbitol for 30 min to study insulin signaling, ER stress, and cellular stress. TUNEL assay was done to measure apoptosis. The retinal function in the rats was determined by electroretinogram.

A gradual but significantly higher intracellular sorbitol accumulation was observed in the retina of obese rats from 3- to 12-months. The cellular osmotic stress has activated the insulin signaling mechanism without activating AKT and also triggered ER stress. Both the stresses activated the ERK and p38MAPK signaling causing apoptosis in the retina leading to retinal degeneration. Retinal dysfunction was confirmed by altered scotopic and photopic electroretinogram responses. These in vivo results were mimicked in SK-N-SH cells when exposed to sorbitol in vitro.

These results suggest cellular stress due to sorbitol accumulation impairing the ER function, thereby leading to progressive retinal degeneration under obese conditions.