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Luteolin, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist, alleviates diabetic retinopathy by regulating the NLRP/NOX4
1Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, 116001, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
Objective:
The present report evaluates the protective effects of luteolin against diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Materials And Methods:
Diabetes was induced in rats by i.p. administration of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ), followed by treatment with luteolin for 4 weeks. The effects of luteolin were determined based on the blood glucose and cytokine levels, and parameters of oxidative stress in retinal tissue of DR rats. The diameter of retinal vessels was estimated by fundus photography. A Western blot assay was used to determine the expression of apoptotic proteins and Nod-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) pathway proteins in the retina of DR rats. A molecular docking study was performed to evaluate the interaction between luteolin and NLRP3.
Results:
The level of blood glucose was reduced in the luteolin-treated group compared with the DR group. Reductions in cytokines and oxidative stress were observed in the retinal tissues of the luteolin-treated group relative to the DR group. Moreover, treatment with luteolin reduced the expression of NLRP1, NOX4, TXNIP, and NLRP3 proteins, and ameliorated the altered expression of apoptotic proteins in the retina of DR rats.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, luteolin prevents retinal apoptosis in DR rats by regulating the NLRP/NOX4 signalling pathway.
Insights
Luteolin, a natural compound, protects against diabetic retinopathy (DR) by reducing blood glucose, oxidative stress, and inflammation. It also regulates key proteins in the NLRP3/NOX4 pathway, preventing retinal apoptosis in rats.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss.
- Oxidative stress and inflammation play critical roles in DR pathogenesis.
- Novel therapeutic strategies targeting molecular pathways are needed for DR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of luteolin against diabetic retinopathy in a rat model.
- To investigate the impact of luteolin on blood glucose, oxidative stress, and inflammation in DR.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying luteolin's action in DR, focusing on the NLRP3/NOX4 pathway.
Main Methods:
- Diabetic retinopathy was induced in rats using streptozotocin (STZ).
- Luteolin treatment was administered for 4 weeks, with assessments of blood glucose, cytokines, and retinal oxidative stress.
- Western blot analysis and molecular docking were used to evaluate protein expression and interactions within the NLRP3 pathway.
Main Results:
- Luteolin treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.
- Luteolin decreased levels of cytokines and markers of oxidative stress in retinal tissues.
- Luteolin downregulated the expression of NLRP1, NOX4, TXNIP, and NLRP3, and ameliorated apoptotic protein expression.
Conclusions:
- Luteolin exhibits protective effects against diabetic retinopathy in rats.
- Luteolin prevents retinal apoptosis by modulating the NLRP3/NOX4 signaling pathway.
- Luteolin demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for managing diabetic retinopathy.
