Work

Curcumol ameliorates diabetic retinopathy via modulating fat mass and obesity-associated protein-demethylated MAF transcription factor G antisense RNA 1

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, leading to significant visual impairment and blindness among adults. Current treatment options are limited, making it essential to explore novel therapeutic strategies. Curcumol, a sesquiterpenoid derived from traditional Chinese medicine, has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, but its potential role in DR remains unclear. AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects of curcumol on the progression of DR and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly its impact on the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) protein and the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MAF transcription factor G antisense RNA 1 (MAFG-AS1). METHODS: . Cell proliferation, migration, and inflammation markers were assessed in curcumol-treated cells. LncRNA microarray analysis identified key molecules regulated by curcumol, and further experiments were conducted to confirm the involvement of FTO and MAFG-AS1 in the progression of DR. RESULTS: Curcumol treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels and alleviated retinal damage in streptozotocin-induced DR mouse models. In high-glucose-treated human retinal vascular endothelial cells, curcumol inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and inflammatory responses. LncRNA microarray analysis identified MAFG-AS1 as the most upregulated lncRNA following curcumol treatment. Mechanistically, FTO demethylated MAFG-AS1, stabilizing its expression. Rescue experiments demonstrated that the protective effects of curcumol against DR were mediated through the FTO/MAFG-AS1 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Curcumol ameliorates the progression of DR by modulating the FTO/MAFG-AS1 axis, providing a novel therapeutic pathway for the treatment of DR. These findings suggest that curcumol-based therapies could offer a promising alternative for managing this debilitating complication of diabetes.

Source: World Journal of Diabetes

DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v16.i4.97201

Authors: Han Rong, Yu Hu, Wei Wei

Institutions: Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University, Second People’s Hospital of Huai’an

Language: English

Topic: Retinal Diseases and Treatments

Subfield: Ophthalmology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft