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Abstract #127478 Published in IGR 25-3
Vitamin C reduces the loss of retinal ganglion cells in chronic glaucoma by inhibiting neuroinflammation
Mou Z; Zheng Y; Wang X; Tan S; Yuan J; Li HNutritional neuroscience 2025; 28: 1315-1333
Recent studies have revealed that glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Neuroinflammation is a significant cause of RGC loss. Vitamin C (Vit C) has been shown to inhibit neuroinflammation in other diseases; however, its effects in glaucoma are yet to be determined. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Vit C on RGCs in glaucoma and the underlying mechanisms. Our findings indicate that Vit C treatment protects against elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)-induced loss of RGCs and thinning of retinal thickness in a chronic ocular hypertension model. Further studies revealed that Vit C reduces the overexpression of glial cells by inhibiting the TLR4/cleaved-caspase-8/NLRP3/cleaved-caspase-1 pathway, thereby alleviating neuroinflammation. Additionally, Vit C was found to inhibit the activation of the Bax/Bcl-2/cleaved-caspase-3 pathway, thus reducing RGC apoptosis. In conclusion, Vit C demonstrates neuroprotective effects in chronic glaucoma, potentially through its roles in reducing neuroinflammation and inhibiting apoptosis, suggesting its therapeutic potential for glaucoma.
Ophthalmology Medical Center, The First Affiliate Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Major Blinding Diseases and Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
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