A new advanced glycation inhibitor, LR-90, prevents experimental diabetic retinopathy in rats. Issue 4 (22nd January 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bhatwadekar, A; Glenn, J V; Figarola, J L; Scott, S; Gardiner, T A; Rahbar, S; Stitt, A W
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 92:Issue 4(2008)
• Page Start: 545
• Page End: 547
• Publication Date: 2008-01-22
• Subjects: Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2007.127910
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Diabetic retinopathy is associated with accumulation of advanced glycation end products in the retinal microvasculature. LR-90 is an effective multistage inhibitor of advanced glycation with renoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Aim: To explore the role of LR-90 in the progression of experimental diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with LR-90 (50 mg/l in drinking water) for up to 32 weeks. At the end of the study, eyes were enucleated and subjected to trypsin digestion and staining with light green/haematoxylin. Acellular capillaries and pericytes were quantified in random fields using light microscopy. Results: In the LR-90-treated diabetic animals, acellular capillary numbers were reduced to 1.63 (0.20) from 2.58 (0.49) (p<0.05) in diabetic controls. LR-90 treatment also restored the pericyte deficit from 18.12 (0.98) in diabetic rats to 24.19 (0.76) (p<0.001). Conclusion: These findings show that LR-90 can effectively inhibit important lesions of diabetic retinopathy. This agent has potential for preventing retinopathy in patients with diabetes.