Hesperetin ameliorates hyperglycemia induced retinal vasculopathy via anti-angiogenic effects in experimental diabetic rats

Abstract The purpose of the study was to evaluate vasculoprotective effects of Hesperetin (Hsp) in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The study was carried out for a period of 24 weeks and evaluated for angiogenic parameters (VEGF and PKC-β), retinal vascular leakage by fluorescein angiography and, vessel (arteriolar and venular) diameters and any morphological abnormality through fundus photographs. Apart from this, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was done to determine capillary basement membrane (BM) thickness. The results of the present study showed a significant increase in the expression of VEGF and PKC-β in diabetic retinae as compared to normal retinae. On the other hand, Hsp-treated retinae showed marked inhibition in the expression of VEGF and PKC-β. In the present study, diabetic retinae showed increase vascular permeability and leakage as compared to normal retinae. However, Hsp-treated retinae have not shown any such vascular dysfunctions. Moreover, there was significant increase in vessel caliber recorded in diabetic retinae compared to normal retinae, on the contrary Hsp-treated retinae showed lesser dilated vessels. Further, TEM study showed thickened BM in diabetic group as compared to normal group. However, Hsp-treated retinae showed marked prevention in BM thickness. In conclusion, it can be sated that Hsp has potential vasoprotective effects and can be useful in preventing diabetes induced vasculopathy.