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Updated: Sep 26, 2025
Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Model for Ischemic Retinal Diseases in Rodents
Published on: September 16, 2020
Hydroxysafflor yellow A improved retinopathy via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in rats
Zhihui Sun1, Yuanyuan Wang1, Rui Xu1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Chengde Central Hospital, Guangren Street, Chengde City, Hebei Province 067000, China.
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of hydroxysaff yellow A (HSYA) on diabetic retinopathy (DR). For this, a total of 27 rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, and HSYA groups. The body weight, blood glucose, and blood-retinal barrier damage of the rats were observed and compared. The pathological change of retinal tissue were measured using H&E staining. The apoptosis of retinal tissue ganglion cells was detected by TUNEL. The interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis fator (TNF)-α levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected using thiobarbituric acid method. Superoxide dismutase levels were detected using xanthine oxidase method; Nrf2 and total HO-1 protein expressions were detected using western blot assay; Bcl-2 and P53 protein expression was measured using immunohistochemical staining. The body weight and retinal damage of the HYSA group were significantly improved (p < 0.01, respectively). The apoptosis index of the HYSA group was lower than the model group (p < 0.001). The IL-1β, TNF-α, and MDA levels of the HYSA group were significantly improved in comparison with those of the model group (p < 0.01, respectively). The Nrf-2, HO-1, Bcl-2, and P53 protein expression of HYSA group was significantly improved (p < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, HYSA can effectively alleviate the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in type 2 diabetic rats and improve the progression of DR.
Insights
Hydroxysaff yellow A (HSYA) significantly improved body weight and reduced retinal damage in diabetic rats. This compound effectively alleviates retinal ganglion cell apoptosis, offering a potential treatment for diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying DR is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Natural compounds are being explored for their therapeutic potential in managing DR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effect of hydroxysaff yellow A (HSYA) on diabetic retinopathy (DR).
- To evaluate the protective mechanisms of HSYA in a rat model of type 2 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- A rat model of type 2 diabetes was established and treated with HSYA.
- Evaluated parameters included body weight, blood glucose, blood-retinal barrier integrity, retinal histology (H&E staining), and ganglion cell apoptosis (TUNEL assay).
- Measured inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α), oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD), and protein expression (Nrf2, HO-1, Bcl-2, P53) via ELISA, thiobarbituric acid method, xanthine oxidase method, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- HSYA treatment significantly improved body weight and reduced retinal damage in diabetic rats (p < 0.01).
- HSYA significantly decreased apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (p < 0.001) and levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and MDA (p < 0.01).
- HSYA upregulated the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, Bcl-2, and P53 proteins (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- HSYA demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in alleviating diabetic retinopathy.
- HSYA effectively mitigates retinal ganglion cell apoptosis and improves DR progression in type 2 diabetic rats.
- The protective effects of HSYA may be mediated through anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant pathways.
