Moringa oleifera extract ameliorates diabetic retinopathy via NF-κB and VCAM-1 pathway in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Abstract

Diabetes is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, leading to various complications, including diabetic retinopathy (DR), which can result in vision impairment and blindness. DR involves the disruption of the blood retinal barrier (BRB) and the development of neovascularization due to high blood sugar levels. Inflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules play a role in this process, with NF-κB and its down regulators, such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, being key players. Moringa oleifera (MO), a plant with medicinal properties, is being investigated for its prospective effect in preventing and treating DR. This study explores the effects of Moringa oleifera extract on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats with DR. Molecular docking studies indicate that components of Moringa oleifera extract, namely Quercetin and Myrecetin, strongly bind to key targets involved in DR.To induce DR, rats were given STZ, and after 8 weeks, various factors were evaluated. The results show that MO extract significantly reduces blood glucose levels compared to the diabetes group. Additionally, the extract decreases the expression of VEGF, an angiogenic mediator, and reduces the levels of TNF-α and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), markers of inflammation, in the retinas of diabetic rats. Histopathological analyses reveal improvements in the retinal blood vessels of MO-treated animals compared to the diabetes group. The extract also reduces the overexpression of NF-κB and VCAM-1 in the retina. These findings suggest that MO may be useful in managing diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting angiogenic mediators and regulating NF-κB and VCAM-1.