Triamcinolone Acetonide Inhibits p38MAPK Activation and Neuronal Apoptosis in Early Diabetic Retinopathy

Objective: Intravitreal glucocorticoids and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies are novel strategies for the treatment of advanced diabetic retinopathy, a condition with inflammatory and neuropathic elements. In contrast with anti-VEGF therapy, glucocorticoids may also exert neuroprotective effects. How glucocorticoids protect retinal neurons is unknown. The aims of the study are to investigate the anti-apoptotic actions of glucocorticoids on diabetic retinal neurons, and characterize the signalling pathways involved. Research Design and Methods: The regulation of gene expression of the four p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) isoforms (α, β, δ and γ) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the retinas was evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Phosphorylation of all isoforms p38MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182) and GR (S-211) was further evaluated. Apoptosis was confirmed by immunolocalization of active CASPASE-3 and the subsequent cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) following intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA), in an early diabetic rat model (26 days after induction of diabetes). Results: IVTA significantly down-regulated mRNA expression of Caspase 3. Activation of CASPASE-3, the subsequent cleavage of PARP-1 and phosphorylation of p38MAPK induced by diabetes were attenuated by IVTA treatment, concomitantly with activation by phosphorylation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR S-211). Conclusions: IVTA activates the GR and exerts neural protective effects on retinal neurons. Inhibition of the p38MAPK pathway and activation of GR play a critical anti-apoptotic role in retinal neurons of diabetes following IVTA treatment. Both the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of glucocorticoids may be mediated through inhibition of the p38MAPK pathway in diabetic retinopathy.