Obesity-induced metabolic disturbance drives oxidative stress and complement activation in the retinal environment.
Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose: Systemic increases in reactive oxygen species, and their association with inflammation, have been proposed as an underlying mechanism linking obesity and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies have found increased levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammatory cytokines in obese individuals; however, the correlation between obesity and retinal inflammation has yet to be assessed. We used the leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mouse to further our understanding of the contribution of obesity to retinal oxidative stress and inflammation. Methods: ). Oxidative stress was further quantified using a reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) assay. Retinal microglia and macrophage migration to the outer retina and complement activation were determined using immunohistochemistry for IBA1 and C3, respectively. Retinas and sera were used for metabolomic analysis using QTRAP mass spectrometry. Results: ). The expression of several metabolites were altered in the ob/ob mice compared to the controls, with changes in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) detected. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that oxidative stress, inflammation, complement activation, and lipid metabolites in the retinal environment are linked with obesity in ob/ob animals. Understanding the interplay between these components in the retina in obesity will help inform risk factor analysis for acquired retinal degenerations, including AMD.
Source: PubMed Central
Institutions: Australian National University, Queensland University of Technology, The University of Queensland, Queensland Eye Institute, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Inserm, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Mitochondrial and Cardiovascular Physiopathology, Université d'Angers
Language: English
Subfield: Ophthalmology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Australian Government
OpenAlex ID: W2805297366