Protective Effect of Astaxanthin on Primary Retinal Cells of the GerbilPsammomys ObesusCultured in DiabeticMilieu

Abstract

Astaxanthin is a major marine carotenoid with powerful antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. The in vitro protective effect of astaxanthin in adult retinal cells of the type-2 diabetic model Psammomys obesus in hyperglycemic conditions was investigated. Primary retinal cells were cultured in normal (5 mM) or high concentrations of glucose (25 and 40 mM) for 5 days and treated with 1-20 μM astaxanthin for the last 48 h of culturing. Mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity and cell viability were assessed using MTT test and trypan blue exclusion dye. Retinal cells were characterized by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that mitochondrial function increased significantly (P<0.05) with 5-20 μM astaxanthin in 25-40 mM glucose. At 10 μM astaxanthin, cell viability recovered to 78.51±5.81% and 54.37±9.64% of control in 25 and 40 mM, respectively. Neurons and glial cells expression were enhanced in elevated glucose conditions. These finding suggest that astaxanthin exerted neuroprotection against high glucose induced- retinal damage. Practical Applications: The xanthophyll astaxanthin is found in many marine food sources such as shrimp. The cytoprotective and antioxidant capacity of astaxanthin in retinal disease has been pointed out and presented as a promising therapeutic strategy. The present study shows that astaxanthin can interfere with hyperglycemia-induced retinal cell death and that primary retinal culture of Psammomys obesus may represent an effective system to explore astaxanthin antioxidant mechanisms in diabetic retinopathy

Reparative Effects of Astaxanthin-Hyaluronan Nanoaggregates against Retrorsine-CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis and Necrosis

“…Furthermore, 1 μg/mL Asta caused a slight and non-significant increase in cell viability in L929 cells. L929 cell viability at 48 h after 1 and 5 μg/mL Asta treatment in the current study was similar to the findings of primary retinal cells [ 17 ], indicating that Asta dissolved in DMSO slightly reduces or increases cell viability in normal cells. Slight cell viability decreasing the effects of Asta in DMSO after 24 and 48 h exposure rationalizes the aggregation use of Asta by HAn.…”

<p>The Therapeutic Role of Carotenoids in Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review</p>

“…40 Carotenoids also have improved mitochondrial dysfunction as an important source of ROS/RNS in DR. These compounds enhanced the expression of mitochondrial dehydrogenase 51 and electron transport complex III 45 in the retinal tissue of diabetic animals. Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) as a major mitochondrial biomarker of stress ameliorated after treatment with carotenoids.…”

“…36,39 Retinal neuronal and vascular cell apoptosis also involved in the pathogenesis of DR. Several studies showed carotenoids decreased apoptosis in retinal tissue and cell of diabetes models. 38,41,44,51 Moreover, it has been shown that these compounds mitigated the activation of caspase-3. 40,42 Recent studies have shown that retinal neuropathy plays a crucial role, especially in the early stage of DR. 65,66 Carotenoids increased the expression of retinal BDNF and prevented retinal neurodegeneration.…”

“…The results revealed that astaxanthin decreased cell apoptosis, improved mitochondrial function, and enhanced the neurons and glial cells viability. 51 Umigai et al evaluated the effects of crocetin on human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), which cultured in the presence of VEGF and high concentration of glucose. Although crocetin had no beneficial effect on cell viability, VEGF-induced formation of capillary-like structures in HUVEC culture, and migration of HRMEC suppressed.…”

Electroretinographic evidence suggesting that the type 2 diabetic retinopathy of the sand rat Psammomys obesus is comparable to that of humans

“…These changes, in combination with high blood glucose may unpair the function of these cells. Likewise, a high concentration of glucose can promote photoreceptor degeneration as demonstrated in vitro by Baccouche et al [ 35 ]. ERG abnormalities found in the diurnal P .…”