KIOM-79 prevents apoptotic cell death and AGEs accumulation in retinas of diabetic db/db mice

Aim of the studyKIOM-79 retards the development of diabetic nephropathy in animal models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we evaluated whether KIOM-79 could prevent apoptotic cell death and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation in the retinas of diabetic db/db mice.Material and methodsMice were treated orally with KIOM-79 (150 mg/kg body weight) once daily for 12 weeks. Levels of retinal ganglion cell death were measured by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. In the retina, the activity of caspase-3 (a marker of apoptosis) and the formation of AGEs were measured by immunohistochemical staining.ResultsKIOM-79 reduced the number of TUNEL-immunoreactive retinal cells. KIOM-79 attenuated caspase-3 expression and AGEs accumulation in the retina.ConclusionsThese data show that KIOM-79 can prevent apoptosis in neuronal cells, AGEs accumulation in the retina, and retard the development of diabetic retinopathy.