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Glycitin Primes Retinal Pigment Epithelium Resilience to High-Glucose Injury via the PI3K/AKT Pathway

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss, which is driven in part by oxidative stress-induced dysfunction of ocular tissues. We previously showed that high glucose conditions trigger senescence pathways and damage the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Here, we identify glycitin, a natural isoflavone, as a candidate cytoprotectant and define its mechanism of action in high glucose-exposed ARPE-19 cells. Using RNA-seq followed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, we mapped glycitin-responsive programs and validated key nodes experimentally. Glycitin partially restored cell proliferation, suppressed oxidative stress, and reversed high glucose-induced premature senescence, primarily through modulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings suggest that glycitin could be a promising modulator of RPE resilience and support its further development for preventing or treating DR and other types of retinal degeneration.

Source: Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

DOI: 10.38212/2224-6614.3610

Authors: Shwu-Jiuan Sheu, Yi-Hsiung Lin, Ching-Yu Lin, Chen-Xi He, Chia-Yang Li, Shun-Yuan Tu, Yi-Ching Tsai, Kai-Chun Cheng, Chien-Chih Chiu, Chun-Lin Chen

Institutions: Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, National Sun Yat-sen University

Language: English

Topic: Retinal Diseases and Treatments

Subfield: Ophthalmology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7221619396

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