This study investigated the effect of Icariin (ICA) supplementation on diabetic\r\nretinopathy (DR) in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model system. Fifty Sprague\r\nDawley rats were randomly distributed into a control group and a streptozotocin-induced\r\ndiabetes group. Diabetic rats were randomly divided into two groups; one group received\r\nICA 5 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks by oral gavage; the other group received saline gavage as a\r\nplacebo. Retinal morphological changes, endothelial markers (RECA), collagen IV (Col-IV),\r\nvascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and neuropathic changes (Thy-1 and Brn3a\r\nexpression) of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were investigated. The effects of ICA at\r\nvarious concentrations (0, 101, 102, 103 nmol/mL) on neurite growth were investigated also\r\nin retinal ganglion cells (RGC) cultured from both diabetic and normal animals. Numerous\r\npathological changes (deceased expression of RECA, VEGF, Thy-1, and Brn3a as well as\r\ndecreased Collagen IV and M�¼ller cell content) were noted in the retinal vessels of diabetic\r\nrats; these changes were attenuated in diabetic animals that received ICA. ICA enhanced\r\nneurite growth in RGC from both normal rats and diabetic rats in a dose dependent fashion. ICA may be useful in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Further investigations\r\nare indicated.
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