Ferulic acid attenuates microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in retinal degeneration

Abstract

Background: To use a rd10 mouse model as a means of exploring the impact of Ferulic acid(FA) on microglia-mediated neuroinflammation as well as associated retinal degeneration. Methods: Rd10 mice received different concentrations of FA treatment every day from postnatal day (P)4 to P24. At P25, mice visual function were detected by electroretinogram, then retinae were collected for further investigation. Retinal microglia activation state and relevant cytokines were evaluated by qPCR, Western blot and immunofluorescent staining. The retinal structure was assessed by HE Staining. Results:50mg/Kg FA supplement exhibited optimal protection against retinal degeneration, with treated mice exhibiting more photoreceptor nuclei as well as significant wave amplitude amplification in electroretinograms. FA suppressed microglia activation both in vivo and in vitro, inhibited pro-inflammatory factors Tnfα, IL1β, Ccl2 expression in rd10 retinae. Furthermore, FA suppressed the activation of STAT1 and subsequently IRF8 expression, potentially highlighting a role for these pathways in FA-mediated immunomodulatory activity. Conclusions: Attenuating neuroinflammation by FA may be beneficial to retard retinal degeneration.