RT Journal Article
T1 Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Hydrophilic Saffron Extract in a Model of Glaucoma
A1 Fernández Albarral, José
A1 Ramírez Sebastián, Ana Isabel
A1 Hoz Montañana, María Rosa De
A1 López Villarín, Nerea
A1 García Martín, Elena Salobrar
A1 López Cuenca, Inés
A1 Licastro, Ester
A1 Inarejos García, Antonio M.
A1 Almodóvar, Paula
A1 Pinazo Durán, María Dolores
A1 Ramírez Sebastián, José Manuel
A1 Salazar Corral, Juan José
AB Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). An increase in the intraocular pressure is the principal risk factor for such loss, but controlling this pressure does not always prevent glaucomatous damage. Activation of immune cells resident in the retina (microglia) may contribute to RGC death. Thus, a substance with anti-inflammatory activity may protect against RGC degeneration. This study investigated the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of a hydrophilic saffron extract standardized to 3% crocin content in a mouse model of unilateral, laser-induced ocular hypertension (OHT). Treatment with saffron extract decreased microglion numbers and morphological signs of their activation, including soma size and process retraction, both in OHT and in contralateral eyes. Saffron extract treatment also partially reversed OHT-induced down-regulation of P2RY12. In addition, the extract prevented retinal ganglion cell death in OHT eyes. Oral administration of saffron extract was able to decrease the neuroinflammation associated with increased intraocular pressure, preventing retinal ganglion cell death. Our findings indicate that saffron extract may exert a protective effect in glaucomatous pathology.
PB MDPI
SN 1422-0067
YR 2019
FD 2019-08-22
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/13589
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/13589
LA eng
NO Fernández Albarral, J. A., ramírez Sebastián, A. I., Hoz Montañana, M. R. et al. «Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Hydrophilic Saffron Extract in a Model of Glaucoma». International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 20, n.o 17, agosto de 2019, p. 4110. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20174110.
NO Received: 18 July 2019 / Revised: 19 August 2019 / Accepted: 20 August 2019 / Published: 22 August 2019
NO Ministerio de Economía, Comercio y Empresa (España)/Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional
NO Instituto de Salud Carlos III
NO Universidad Complutense de Madrid
NO Ministerio de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes (España)
NO Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (España)
DS Docta Complutense
RD 21 dic 2025