Abstract
BackgroundAster koraiensis extract (AKE) is a standard dietary herbal supplement. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effects of AKE on diabetes-induced retinal vascular dysfunction in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats.MethodsAKE (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered for 16 weeks. The effects of orally administered AKE on blood glucose levels, retinal vascular leakage, apoptosis, and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the retina were evaluated.ResultsSDT rats exhibited hyperglycemia and retinal vascular leakage, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was clearly detected apoptosis in the retinal microvasculature. Immunofluorescence staining revealed the accumulation of AGEs in the retinal vasculature of the SDT rats. However, oral administration of AKE for 16 weeks blocked diabetes-induced blood–retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown and the loss of occludin, which is an important tight junction protein. Apoptosis of retinal vascular cells and AGE accumulation were significantly inhibited after AKE treatment.ConclusionThese results indicate that, as a dietary herbal supplement, AKE may have beneficial effects on patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Highlights
Aster koraiensis extract (AKE) is a standard dietary herbal supplement
We reported that the extract of A. koraiensis inhibits the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and its cross-links with proteins in vitro [9, 10]; and prevented AGE deposition and podocyte apoptosis in the renal tissues of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats [11]
We investigated the inhibitory effect of A. koraiensis extract on the retinal vascular dysfunction in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats, which is a type 2 diabetes animal model
Summary
Aster koraiensis extract (AKE) is a standard dietary herbal supplement. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effects of AKE on diabetes-induced retinal vascular dysfunction in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats. Diabetes-induced retinal dysfunction is a common and serious microvascular complication [1]. Hyperglycemia induces retinal vascular injury and blood–retinal barrier (BRB) breakage, which can cause macular edema in patients with diabetes [2]. The blood vessel endothelium is composed of a single layer of endothelial cells, and the cleft between neighboring endothelial cells is tightly sealed by tight junctions of trans membrane protein complexes such as occludins, claudins, and zona occludens [3]. These complexes contribute to the paracellular barrier, such as the blood–brain barrier and BRB [4]. There has been considerable focus on botanical products that can potentially prevent or treat diabetes and its complications
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
