Abstract
Purpose :
Neurodegeneration is a critical component of Diabetic retinopathy (DR). Increasing evidence shows that retinal cell apoptosis and reactive gliosis are basic pathological features of DR. Müller cell is the principal macroglia of the retina which regulates the function and survival of retinal cells. It has been recognized that the müller cells damage plays an important role in the process of DR. Liraglutide (LIRA) is a GLP-1(Glucagon-like peptide 1) analogue and uses for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment in clinic currently. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether LIRA could provide protection in müller cell in high glucose (HG) in order to identify new therapeutic targets for the clinical prevention and treatment of DR.
Methods :
For in vitro studies, the cells were divided into control group, HG group, HG+LIRA group, HG+LIRA+U0126 group. Flow cytometry assay and mitochondrial membrane potential assays were performed to quantify levels of apoptosis. qPCR and western blotting were used to measure gene and protein expression.
Results :
The expression of GFAP and apoptosis percentage in Müller cell were increased after HG treatment. Mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased. However, the expression of GFAP and apoptosis percentage were decreased with LIRA treatment in HG. Mitochondrial membrane potential was increased. Moreover, apoptotic percentage and the expression of p-ERK, Nrf2 and Trx were decreased after LIRA+U0126 treatment compared with LIRA only in HG.
Conclusions :
Our study suggests that reactive gliosis was increased in HG and Liraglutide has the protective effect on retinal Müller cell apoptosis in HG. The underlying mechanism was related to p-ERK / Nrf2 / Trx pathway.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2018 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29 - May 3, 2018.