Neuroprotective and blood-retinal barrier-preserving effects of cannabidiol in experimental diabetes

Azza B. El-Remessy, Mohamed Al-Shabrawey, Yousuf Khalifa, Nai Tse Tsai, Ruth B. Caldwell, Gregory I. Liou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

222 Scopus citations

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown and neurotoxicity. These pathologies have been associated with oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines, which may operate by activating their downstream target p38 MAP kinase. In the present study, the protective effects of a nonpsychotropic cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), were examined in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats after 1, 2, or 4 weeks. Retinal cell death was determined by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling assay; BRB function by quantifying extravasation of bovine serum albumin-fluorescein; and oxidative stress by assays for lipid peroxidation, dichlorofluorescein fluorescence, and tyrosine nitration. Experimental diabetes induced significant increases in oxidative stress, retinal neuronal cell death, and vascular permeability. These effects were associated with increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and activation of p38 MAP kinase, as assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and/or Western blot. CBD treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress; decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, vascular endothelial growth fector, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1; and prevented retinal cell death and vascular hyperpermeability in the diabetic retina. Consistent with these effects, CBD treatment also significantly inhibited p38 MAP kinase in the diabetic retina. These results demonstrate that CBD treatment reduces neurotoxicity, inflammation, and BRB breakdown to diabetic animals tlnrough activities that may involve inhibition of p38 MAP kinase.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)235-244
Number of pages10
JournalAmerican Journal of Pathology
Volume168
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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