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Updated: Dec 19, 2025
Retinal Pathophysiological Evaluation in a Rat Model
Published on: May 6, 2022
Sirtuin (Sirt) 3 Overexpression Prevents Retinopathy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Xin-Bang Mao1, Yan-Hua Cheng1, Ke-Su Peng1
1Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China (mainland).
Abstract:
BACKGROUND Sirtuin (Sirt) 3 could promote autophagy by downregulating the expression of genes related to neovascularization in retinal endothelial cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Sirt3 overexpression on retinopathy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, and to assess its mechanisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ntraperitoneal injection of STZ in rats was used to produce a diabetic model. The study rats were divided into 4 groups (n=6 for each group): a control group; a model group; a model+scrambled adenovirus group; and a model+Sirt3 overexpression group. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining determined the pathological changes of retina tissues. Immunohistochemistry, fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting were used to detect the expression of Sirt3, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3). RESULTS In the model group, the inner limiting membrane was swollen, uneven and thickened, and the capillary endothelial cells occasionally protruded into the inner limiting membrane. These abnormalities were prevented by Sirt3 overexpression. Compared with the control group, the expression of Sirt3 at both mRNA and protein levels in the model group was significantly reduced, while the expression of VEGF was increased versus the control group (P.
Insights
Sirtuin 3 overexpression protected against diabetic retinopathy in rats by reducing vascular endothelial growth factor and improving retinal tissue. This suggests Sirtuin 3 as a potential therapeutic target for diabetic eye disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) may promote autophagy and downregulate neovascularization genes in retinal endothelial cells.
- Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes affecting the eyes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Sirt3 overexpression on diabetic retinopathy in a rat model.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Sirt3's action in diabetic retinopathy.
Main Methods:
- A streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model was established.
- Rats were divided into control, model, model+scrambled adenovirus, and model+Sirt3 overexpression groups.
- Retinal tissue analysis included H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and Western blotting to assess Sirt3, VEGF, and LC3 expression.
Main Results:
- STZ-induced diabetes caused retinal abnormalities, including inner limiting membrane thickening and endothelial cell protrusion.
- Sirt3 overexpression prevented these pathological changes in the retina.
- Compared to controls, diabetic rats showed reduced Sirt3 expression and increased VEGF expression.
Conclusions:
- Sirt3 overexpression demonstrates a protective effect against diabetic retinopathy in STZ-induced diabetic rats.
- Sirt3 may exert its protective effects by downregulating VEGF expression and potentially influencing autophagy.
- Sirt3 represents a potential therapeutic target for managing diabetic retinopathy.
