Therapeutic effects of various renin angiotensin modulators on hyperglycemia-induced cataract formation in Sprague Dawley rats
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Published on: May 10, 2024
Jaya Shree1,2, Rajesh Choudhary1,3, Surendra H Bodakhe1
1Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas University (A Central University), Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India.
Objects:
Our previous research work reported the beneficial effects of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for the treatment of diabetes associated cataract which was induced by streptozotocin (STZ). The current study, evaluated the effects of topical administration of various renin angiotensin modulators on STZ-induced cataracts in rats.
Methods:
Single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered in the rats to induce diabetes. Animals were divided into normal and diabetic rats. Normal rats were administered with single dose of sodium citrate buffer (0.1 M, 10ml/kg, i.p.). Diabetic animals were divided into various treatment groups, each group contains six animals and received aliskiren, olmesartan, enalapril, and angiotensin 1-7 at a dose of 0.5% w/v topically on the cornea of the eye for a period of 8 weeks. During experimental protocol morphology of the eyes and lenticular opacity were monitored. Animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks of drug treatment, and various cataractogenic biochemical parameters were assessed.
Results:
Topical administrations with aliskiren, enalapril, olmesartan, and angiotensin 1-7 showed non-significant alterations in the blood glucose level, but significantly decreased lenticular opacity, restored antioxidant level, restored MDA level and Nitrite content, and decreased the onset of cataract formation.
Conclusion:
Overall, our findings suggest that topical treatment with renin angiotensin modulators delayed the onset of diabetes-induced cataract formation.
Insights
Topical renin-angiotensin system modulators, including ARBs, effectively delayed the onset of diabetes-induced cataracts in rats. These treatments reduced lenticular opacity and improved biochemical markers without affecting blood glucose levels.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for cataract formation.
- Previous research indicated angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) benefit diabetes-associated cataracts.
- Streptozotocin (STZ) is a common agent for inducing diabetes in animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical renin-angiotensin system modulators in preventing STZ-induced cataracts in rats.
- To investigate the effects of specific drugs like aliskiren, olmesartan, enalapril, and angiotensin 1-7 on diabetic cataracts.
Main Methods:
- Diabetes was induced in rats using a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ).
- Diabetic rats received topical ocular administration of aliskiren, olmesartan, enalapril, or angiotensin 1-7 for 8 weeks.
- Ocular morphology, lenticular opacity, and biochemical parameters related to cataractogenesis were assessed.
Main Results:
- Topical treatments did not significantly alter blood glucose levels.
- All tested renin-angiotensin modulators significantly reduced lenticular opacity and delayed cataract onset.
- Restoration of antioxidant levels and normalization of MDA and nitrite content were observed.
Conclusions:
- Topical application of renin-angiotensin system modulators is a promising strategy for managing diabetes-induced cataracts.
- These findings support the role of the renin-angiotensin system in diabetic cataract development and progression.
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