Exploring the impact of nano platinum-hydrogen saline on oxygen-induced retinopathy in neonatal rats

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of nano platinum-hydrogen saline (Pt NPs + H₂) on oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) in neonatal rats, with the goal to contribute new insights into the therapeutic strategies for retinopathy of prematurity.

Pt NPs + H₂ formulation was synthesized to address OIR in a rat model. Subsequent examination included the assessment of retinal blood vessel distribution and morphology through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and isolectin B4 (IB4) staining techniques. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde(MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured to reflect the oxidative stress in rats. Additionally, the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in each experimental group was assessed using western blot analysis, while the gene expression of VEGF in retinal neovascularization tissues was assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, the extent of retinal cell apoptosis was measured using a TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) apoptosis kit.

HE staining and IB4 staining revealed positive retinal neovascularization in the OIR group, whereas neovascularization in the Pt NPs + H₂ group exhibited reduced severity. Significantly fewer capillary globules and capillary tubules were observed in the Pt NPs + H₂ group compared to the OIR group (p < 0.05). Also, the Pt NPs + H₂ group demonstrated significant reductions in ROS and MDA levels within retinal tissues (p < 0.05, p < 0.001), along with a significant increase in SOD level (p < 0.05). Notably, the MDA level in the Pt NPs + H₂ group was notably lower than that in the OIR group (p < 0.01, p < 0.05), and even lower than that in the H₂ group. Pt NPs + H₂ intervention was associated with decreased protein and mRNA expression of VEGF, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). While the H₂ group exhibited a decreasing trend in apoptotic cell count in the retinal ganglion cell layer (p < 0.05), the Pt NPs + H₂ group demonstrated a more pronounced reduction, with a significant difference (p < 0.01). No significant discrepancy in apoptosis within the inner nuclear layer was observed (p > 0.05).

The synergistic effect of hydrogen saline and nano platinum manifests as enhanced antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-neovascular properties. Nano platinum-hydrogen saline demonstrates inhibitory effects on OIR in rats.