Abstract
Purpose:
Resveratrol (trans-3, 5, 4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a nutritional supplement with anti-inflammatory properties. This work investigates the impact of orally administered resveratrol on inflammatory processes in streptozotocin-nicotinamid-induced diabetic retinopathy.
Methods:
Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: normal control, diabetic control, normal rats treated with resveratrol, and diabetic rats treated with resveratrol. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg; i.p.), 15 min after the prescription of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg; i.p.) in 12 h fasted rats.
Results:
Oral resveratrol administration (5 mg/kg/day for 4 months) significantly improved glucose tolerance and alleviated hyperglycemia and weight loss in diabetic rats. Resveratrol administration significantly improved the elevated levels of nuclear factor kappa B (activity and mRNA), tumor necrosis factor alpha and apoptotic cells in the retinas of the diabetic rats. Resveratrol treated animals showed significantly less disarrangement and reduction in thickness of retinal layers. Compared to control, resveratrol did not affect plasma insulin levels or retinal cyclooxygenase-2 activity.
Conclusions:
Long-term resveratrol administration has beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. Resveratrol could prove to be an effective therapeutic supplement in the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Keywords: 499 diabetic retinopathy •
557 inflammation