Stimulation of AMPK prevents degeneration of photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium.

ABSTRACT: Retinal degenerative diseases are generally characterized by a permanent loss of light-sensitive retinal neurons known as photoreceptors, or their support cells, the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). Metabolic dysfunction has been implicated as a common mechanism of degeneration. In this study, we used the drug metformin in a gain-of-function approach to activate adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). We found that treatment protected photoreceptors and the RPE from acute injury and delayed inherited retinal degeneration. Protection was associated with decreased oxidative stress, decreased DNA damage, and increased mitochondrial energy production. To determine whether protection was a local or a systemic effect of metformin, we used AMPK retinal knockout mice and found

SUBMITTER: Xu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6187182 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature