Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide-Derived Nanoparticles Protect Visual Function by Inhibiting RGC Ferroptosis and...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Retinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) causes vision loss by damaging retinal ganglion cells (RGCs).
• Current treatments manage symptoms, not the root causes like oxidative stress.
• Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) exhibits antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a nanoparticle (PLBP) for protecting RGCs against IR injury.
• To investigate PLBP's mechanism in reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized PLBP nanoparticles by conjugating phenylboronic acid pinacol ester (PBA) to LBP.
• Assessed PLBP's effect on cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and RGC antioxidant capacity.
• Evaluated PLBP's impact on microglial activation and inflammatory pathways (NRF2, NF-κB).
• Tested PLBP's efficacy in preserving visual function in an IR injury model.

Main Results:

• PLBP nanoparticles effectively reduced cellular ROS levels.
• PLBP activated the NRF2 pathway, enhancing RGC antioxidant capabilities and protecting against ferroptosis.
• PLBP inhibited microglial phagocytosis, migration, and inflammatory cytokine secretion by suppressing the NF-κB pathway.
• PLBP treatment preserved visual function following IR injury.

Conclusions:

• PLBP demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects against retinal IR injury.
• PLBP mitigates oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, preserving RGCs and visual function.
• This nanoparticle approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for vision impairment and neurodegenerative diseases.