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Caffeine abrogates oxidative stress imbalance: Its implication on lateral geniculate nucleus and visual cortex
Adeshina Oloruntoba Adekeye1, Adedamola Adediran Fafure1, Susan Timileyin Jeje-Pius1
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
Abstract:
This study assessed the role of caffeine (adenosine receptor antagonist) in the Lateral geniculate body as well as the primary visual cortex of hyaluronic acid model of glaucomatous rats. Twenty (20) male Long evans rats were randomly divided into four groups with five animals each. This research confirmed that hyaluronic acid (HA) significantly induces elevated intraocular pressure from 18 to 35 mmHg and caffeine had no effect on its reduction to palliate visual impairment; There were a significant increase in the lipid peroxidation and conversely decrease in superoxide level with HA which were attenuated by caffeine. Although, caffeine showed a capability of ameliorating the histopathological changes induced by HA in terms of maintenance of a viable neuronal cell count and significant reduction of tumour necrosis factor-α immune positive cells in the LGB and visual cortex. These findings suggest that caffeine was unable to lower the intraocular pressure after hyaluronic acid exposure but has the ability to restore the antioxidant imbalance via mitigating pro-oxidant mediators and abrogate neurodegeneration.
Insights
Caffeine did not lower intraocular pressure in a rat glaucoma model. However, it protected against neurodegeneration by restoring antioxidant balance and reducing inflammation in the visual cortex.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a primary risk factor for glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
- Understanding neuroprotective strategies is crucial for managing glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective effects of caffeine in a rat model of hyaluronic acid-induced glaucoma.
- To assess caffeine's impact on intraocular pressure, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in the visual pathway.
Main Methods:
- Hyaluronic acid was used to induce elevated intraocular pressure in Long Evans rats.
- Rats were divided into four groups, with caffeine administered to assess its effects.
- Evaluated intraocular pressure, lipid peroxidation, superoxide levels, and histopathological changes in the lateral geniculate body and visual cortex.
Main Results:
- Hyaluronic acid significantly increased intraocular pressure (18–35 mmHg).
- Caffeine did not reduce elevated intraocular pressure but attenuated oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, superoxide levels).
- Caffeine ameliorated histopathological damage, maintained neuronal cell count, and reduced tumor necrosis factor-α in the lateral geniculate body and visual cortex.
Conclusions:
- Caffeine does not lower intraocular pressure in this glaucoma model.
- Caffeine demonstrates neuroprotective capabilities by restoring antioxidant balance and mitigating neuroinflammation.
- Caffeine may offer therapeutic potential for preventing glaucomatous neurodegeneration.
