Effect of naringenin on NaIO3 -induced retinal pigment epithelium degeneration and laser -induced choroidal neovascularization in rats

AIM: To study the effects of naringenin eye drops on NaIO3-induced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in rat eyes. METHODS: The 35mg/kg NaIO3-induced RPE degeneration was prevented by 10g/L naringenin eye drops 3 times a day for 7 days in advance of NaIO3 injection, and then 2 to 4 weeks thereafter, RPE function was measured with C-wave of electroretinogram (ERG). The laser-induced CNV rats were treated with laser to break the Bruch's membrane and the CNV formation was prevented by 10g/L naringenin eye drops instilled 3 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks. The CNV formation was measured with fluorescein angiography (FA) and flat mount. RESULTS: Two weeks after NaIO3 injection, the amplitude of ERG C-wave fell markedly in NaIO3 group to 53% of normal group (P < 0.01). No apparent difference was observed in naringenin+NaIO3 group. Four weeks later, the NaIO3 group fell to 37% of normal group (P < 0.01), while the naringenin+ NaIO3 group fell to only 57% of normal group (P < 0.01). There was a 52% reversal of the ERG C-wave by naringenin as compared to NaIO3 treated group (P < 0.05). Two weeks and four weeks after laser treatment, naringenin reduced the CNV formation to 53% and 49% of control group (100%) measured by FA (P < 0.01). Four weeks after laser treatment, naringenin reduced the CNV formation by 47% as compared to control group measured with flat mount(P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Naringenin can significantly protect RPE from NaIO3 induced degeneration and also prevent CNV formation.