Retinoprotective Effects of Moringa oleifera via Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Angiogenic Mechanisms in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract Purpose: The present study was aimed to evaluate the retinoprotective effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: The study was continued for 24 weeks and evaluated for inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α and interleukin [IL]-1β, angiogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and protein kinase C [PKC]-β) and antioxidant (Glutathione, Superoxide dismutase, and Catalase) parameters. Retinal leakage was checked by Fluorescein angiography (FA) and fundus photographs were evaluated for retinal vessel caliber (arteriolar and venular). Transmission electron microscopy was done to determine basement membrane (BM) thickness. Results: The results of the present study showed potential hypoglycemic and retinal antioxidant effects of MO. In the present study, a significant rise in the expression of retinal inflammatory (TNF-α and IL-1β) and angiogenic (VEGF and PKC-β) parameters was observed in diabetic retinae as compared to normal retinae. However, MO-t...