The Effects of Systemic Coenzyme Q10 Treatment on Corneal Histology in Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Çiğdem Karaca1, Müberra Akdoğan2, Hasan Hüseyin Demirel3
1Department of Histology Embryology, Gaziantep Islam, Science and Technology University Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Türkiye.
Objective:
This study investigate the histopathological changes and VEGF, IL-1β, and IL-6 immunoreactivities in cornea treated with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in a Streptozocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model.
Methods:
A total of 20 male Wistar Albino rats including a group of STZ diabetic rats, diabetic rats treated with CoQ10, rats were given CoQ10 without being diabetic and a Control group were included the study. The groups were followed up for 2 months. Eye tissues were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE), Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), and immunohistochemical staining (IHC).
Findings:
The mean corneal thickness was found to be lower in the group with DM (126,62 ± 18,1) compared to the other groups. However, this decrease was found to be significant only in comparison with the control group (181,75 ± 13,87) (p = 0.000). In diabetic corneas, PAS positivity was observed in in Descemet's membrane (p = 0.021). Staining with VEGF, IL-1β, IL-6antibodies was found to be lower in the DM+CoQ10 group compared to the group with DM (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001).
Results:
We observed that diabetes increases inflammation and tendency to angiogenesis in the corneal tissue, and CoQ10 treatment reduces the corneal thickness, inflammation, and tendency to angiogenesis caused by diabetes.
Insights
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) treatment reduced corneal thickness, inflammation, and angiogenesis in diabetic rats. This study highlights CoQ10's potential therapeutic benefits for diabetic corneal complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diabetology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with significant ocular complications, including corneal pathology.
- Diabetic corneas exhibit increased inflammation and a propensity for angiogenesis, potentially impairing vision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histopathological alterations in the cornea of a rat model with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.
- To evaluate the effects of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on corneal changes, inflammation, and angiogenesis in diabetic rats.
Main Methods:
- Twenty male Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: control, diabetic, diabetic treated with CoQ10, and CoQ10-treated non-diabetic.
- Corneal tissues were analyzed using Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE), Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), and immunohistochemical staining for VEGF, IL-1β, and IL-6.
Main Results:
- Diabetic corneas showed reduced thickness and increased PAS positivity in Descemet's membrane compared to controls.
- Coenzyme Q10 treatment significantly decreased corneal thickness, inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6), and angiogenesis (VEGF) markers in diabetic rats.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes induces corneal inflammation and angiogenesis.
- Coenzyme Q10 demonstrates a protective effect against diabetic corneal damage by mitigating inflammation and angiogenesis.
