Abstract
Purpose :
Previous research in zebrafish has shown that the carotenoid zeaxanthin protects vision and can even enhance visual function after interocular injections. Supplements containing zeaxanthin as well as other carotenoids have been shown to improve vision and prevent progression of damage to advanced AMD in some studies. We wanted to test other carotenoids to see if they too can protect vision from AMD-like vision loss associated with A2E.
Methods :
Adult zebrafish were maintained using standard conditions. All experiments were approved by our university IACUC. Baseline visual acuity was measured using the optokinetic response as previously described. One eye was injected with 50 µM A2E and the other eye was injected with 808nM astaxanthin and 50 µM A2E. Visual acuity was assessed at weekly intervals after the injections using a single masked study design. Statistical analysis was completed using normalized visual acuity changes and regression analysis.
Results :
Baseline visual acuities were consistent with previously published acuities in adult zebrafish. The average baseline acuity was 50 cycles/degree (c/d). A2E caused the visual acuity to decline over a two-week period, peaking with an average vision loss of about 10% (p=0.018 n=17). Astaxanthin protected the retina from the A2E damage over this same period. In fact, the visual acuity increased nearly 10% compared to baseline (p=0.036 n=10).
Conclusions :
Astaxanthin protected, and even enhanced, visual acuity in zebrafish from A2E damage. Compared to zeaxanthin, astaxanthin’s protection was about the same. Testing additional carotenoids and various combinations may be helpful in identifying potential improved therapeutic options for human treatments.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.