Therapeutic Approach of Nanotechnology for Oxidative Stress Induced Ocular Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

Oxidative stress plays a role in many different forms of neurodegenerative ocular disease. The imbalance between the generation of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their corresponding neutralization by endogenous antioxidant defense systems leads to cellular oxidative stress, oxidation of different bio-macromolecules, and eventually retinal disease. As a result, the administration of supplemental endogenous antioxidant materials or exogenous ROS scavengers is an interesting therapeutic approach for the treatment of forms of ocular disease associated with oxidative stress. Thus far, different dietary antioxidant supplements have been proven to be clinically reliable and effective, and different antioxidant gene therapy approaches are under investigation. In addition, various metal oxide nanoparticles were shown to be effective in defending against oxidative stress-associated injury. These benefits are due to free radical scavenging properties of the materials arising from non-stoichiometric crystal defects and oxygen deficiencies. Here we discuss the application of this approach to the protection of the retina.

Artemisinin protects human retinal pigment epithelial cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage through activation of ERK/CREB signaling

“…Although the etiology and pathogenesis of dry AMD are not fully elucidated, age-related alterations such as increased oxidative stress and decreased cell density in the RPE were considered as main changes in dry AMD [10] , [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] . The adequate oxygen distribution and supply are necessary for maintenance of retinal function [16] .…”

Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Damage of Retinal Neurons: Drug Development Targets for Therapies of Chronic Neurodegeneration of the Retina

“…Thus, there is a need for direct therapeutic approaches targeted elsewhere. One possible set of targets, which is associated with the pathogenesis of glaucoma [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 28 ], is a range of ROS. Indeed, decreasing the quantity and effect of ROS in and on RGCs through a variety of mechanisms are active areas of investigation.…”

“…Hyperglycemia, the main driving force of DR leads to an array of metabolic and functional derangements in retinal vascular and neuronal cells [ 22 , 25 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 ]. The mechanism of these derangements is not completely understood but ROS appear to play a very significant role [ 27 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 ]. Diabetes induces the overproduction of ROS including superoxide in the retina [ 78 ].…”

Estrogen Ameliorates Photoreceptor Cell Loss In Light-Induced Retinal Degenerated Balb/C Mice

“…Continuous light exposure increases oxidative stress [14,23] and is a major stimulator of retinal diseases [15], particularly dry AMD [24]. The extent of retinal degeneration depends on the light in- tensity and duration of light exposure [25].…”

“…Estrogen mediates its functions mainly through its receptors, ER alpha and ER beta on the target tissue [14,15]. Once the ER is activated by estrogen, ER translocates to the nucleus and acts as hormone inducible transcription factors [16].…”