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High-fat diet causes endothelial dysfunction in the mouse ophthalmic artery.
Subao Jiang1, Ning Xia2, Francesco Buonfiglio1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
Experimental Eye Research
|November 16, 2023
Summary
A high-fat diet impairs ophthalmic artery function in mice, causing endothelial dysfunction. This is linked to increased oxidative stress, involving RAGE and NOX2, highlighting potential risks for eye health.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Ophthalmology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Obesity is a major health issue linked to vascular dysfunction.
- The specific effects of obesity on ocular blood vessels are not well understood.
- Ophthalmic artery endothelial function is crucial for eye health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if a high-fat diet causes endothelial dysfunction in the mouse ophthalmic artery.
- To explore the role of oxidative stress and specific molecular pathways in diet-induced vascular changes.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed a high-fat diet for 20 weeks.
- Ophthalmic artery reactivity was tested in vitro.
- Oxidative stress (ROS), gene expression (NOX2), and protein levels (NOX2, RAGE, LOX-1) were measured.
Main Results:
- High-fat diet mice showed impaired vasodilation to acetylcholine but normal response to nitroprusside.
- Increased oxidative stress (ROS) and NOX2 gene expression were observed in the ophthalmic artery.
- Expression of NOX2 and RAGE proteins was elevated, while LOX-1 remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- High-fat diet-induced obesity leads to endothelial dysfunction in the ophthalmic artery.
- Oxidative stress, mediated by RAGE and NOX2, plays a key role in this dysfunction.
- These findings suggest a potential mechanism linking obesity to ocular vascular complications.
