Systemic IGF-I treatment inhibits cell death in diabetic rat retina
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy can result in apoptotic cell death of retinal neurons, as well as significant visual loss. It is further known that insulin-like growth factor (IGF) levels are reduced in diabetes and that IGF-I can prevent cell death in many cell types. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that systemic treatment with IGF-I could inhibit death of neuroretinal cells in diabetic rats by examining the expression of proapoptotic markers. In diabetic rat retina, the number of TUNEL-immunoreactive cells increased approximately sixfold in the photoreceptor layer (P<.001) and eightfold in the inner nuclear layer (INL; P<.001); phospho-Akt (p-Akt; Thr 308) immunoreactivity increased eightfold in the ganglion cell layer (GCL; P<.001) and threefold in the INL (P<.01). Subcutaneous IGF-I treatment significantly reduced the number of TUNEL (P<.001) and p-Akt immunoreactive retinal cells (P<.05) in diabetic rats approximately to the level of the nondiabetic group. Qualitative results showed that caspase-3 and BAD immunoreactivities were also elevated in diabetes and reduced in IGF-I-treated animals. Elevated TUNEL and p-Akt immunoreactivities were localized to distinct cell layers in the retina of diabetic rats. Early intervention wi...Continue Reading
References
The developing CNS: a scenario for the action of proinsulin, insulin and insulin-like growth factors
Insulin-like growth factors: putative muscle-derived trophic agents that promote motoneuron survival
Citations
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Caspases in Metabolic Diseases
Caspases, the family of cysteine proteases are involved in programmed cell death, but their role in metabolic diseases, inflammation and immunity has been of interested. Discover the latest research on caspases in metabolic diseases here.
Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a specific process that leads to programmed cell death through the activation of an evolutionary conserved intracellular pathway leading to pathognomic cellular changes distinct from cellular necrosis
Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndromes
This feed focuses on a rare genetic condition called Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndromes, which are characterized by autoantibodies against multiple endocrine organs. This can lead to Type I Diabetes.
Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathies
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathies, also called polyglandular autoimmune syndromes (PGASs), or polyendocrine autoimmune syndromes(PASs), are a heterogeneous group of rare diseases characterized by autoimmune activity against more than one endocrine organ, although non-endocrine organs can be affected. Discover the latest research on autoimmune polyendocrinopathies here.
Arterial-Venous in Development & Disease
Arterial-venous development may play a crucial role in cardiovascular diseases. Here is the latest research.
Apoptotic Caspases
Apoptotic caspases belong to the protease enzyme family and are known to play an essential role in inflammation and programmed cell death. Here is the latest research.