Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:41
Behavioral Assessment of Visual Function via Optomotor Response and Cognitive Function via Y-Maze in Diabetic Rats
Published on: October 23, 2020
5.7K
Ferroptosis Contributes to Microvascular Dysfunction in Diabetic Retinopathy.
Qun Liu1, Chao-Qun Liu2, Wan-Zhao Yi3
1Institute of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China.
The American Journal of Pathology
|February 28, 2024
Summary
Ferroptosis, a cell death pathway, contributes to diabetic retinopathy by causing retinal microvascular dysfunction. Inhibiting ferroptosis may offer a new therapeutic strategy for early-stage disease.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Cell Biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of cell death involving lipid peroxidation.
- The role of ferroptosis in diabetic retinopathy remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of ferroptosis in diabetic retinopathy.
- To explore ferroptosis inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative RT-PCR to assess ferroptosis-related gene expression in patients and diabetic mice.
- Measurement of reactive oxygen species, iron, and lipid peroxidation in retinal cells and tissues.
- In vitro evaluation of ferroptosis's impact on endothelial cell function.
- Assessment of retinal microvasculature after ferroptosis inhibition with Fer-1.
Main Results:
- Ferroptosis markers were altered in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, diabetic mice, and cultured human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs).
- Elevated reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and iron content were observed in diabetic conditions.
- Ferroptosis correlated with HRMEC dysfunction under high glucose.
- Fer-1 treatment significantly ameliorated retinal microvasculopathy in diabetic mice.
Conclusions:
- Ferroptosis plays a significant role in diabetic retinopathy-associated microvascular dysfunction.
- Inhibiting ferroptosis presents a promising therapeutic avenue for early-stage diabetic retinopathy.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Necrosis
Necrosis is considered as an “accidental” or unexpected form of cell death that ends in cell lysis. The first noticeable mention of “necrosis” was in 1859 when Rudolf Virchow used this term to describe advanced tissue breakdown in his compilation titled “Cell Pathology”.
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become anucleated and die, but their...
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become anucleated and die, but their...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
01:26Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
01:31Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Definition A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic, non-healing wound that develops in individuals with diabetes. It typically occurs on pressure-bearing areas such as the heel, metatarsal heads, or hallux, and carries a high risk of infection and amputation.Pathophysiology • The development of DFUs can be explained by four interconnected mechanisms: neuropathy, ischemia, infection, and impaired wound healing. • Neuropathy is the most common factor. Sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception,...
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
01:28Diabetic Nephropathy
Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...