The Chinese herbal medicine Bujing Yishi tablets could alleviate photoreceptor degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa by inhibiting microglial over-activation and inflammation.
Experimental Study Bu Jing Yi Shi Tablets Retinitis Pigmentosa
This experiment began with the creation of a rat model for retinitis pigmentosa through intraperitoneal injection of N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea. After the rats developed retinal degeneration, they were treated with Bujing Yishi tablets. To confirm the impact of these tablets on the rat model, the researchers conducted several tests, including examination of the retinal cytokine levels and expression of IBA-1 in microglia. This let them monitor the apoptotic cells, ONL thickness, retinal morphology, and photoreceptor degeneration. They further used western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels involved in the P2X7R/CX3CL1/CX3CR1 pathway.
Following the treatment of the rats with Bujing Yishi tablets, there was significant relief in the morphological structure deterioration of the retinas and the photoreceptor degeneration. The herbal tablets also reduced the number of apoptotic cells in the ONL and prevented the thinning of the ONL, pointing to their effectiveness in retinal preservation. Additionally, the tablets lowered the level of over-activated microglia and decreased retinal levels of inflammatory markers. Bujing Yishi tablets were also observed to decrease the protein and mRNA expression of P2X7, CX3CL1, and CX3CR1, further exhibiting their mechanism of retinal preservation through influence on the P2X7R/CX3CL1/CX3CR1 pathway.
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