Correlation between Tissue Pathology and Vitreal Levels of hsCRP, Il-6 and TNF-α in Diabetic Rats Treated with Aspirin

Background: Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive neuro-logical complication of diabetes. Microvascular changes accompany diabetic retinopathy and may result in blindness. Inflammation has been shown to underlie the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Aim of Work: We investigated the correlation between inflammatory markers and tissue pathology in diabetic rat eye. We also tested the role of anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin) in the prevention of diabetic retinopathy. Material and Methods: Ninety male Wistar albino rats were used in the present study. Rats were equally divided into 3 groups; control group, diabetic (streptozotocin, 50mg/kg i.p), and aspirin-treated (ASPIRIN PROTECT, 2mg/kg/d) diabetic group. All animals were scarified 6 months after the induction of diabetes. Histology and immunohistochemistry were conducted on the tissues of the rats’ eyes, while vitreous samples were collected for the measurement of hsCRP, IL-6 and TNF-α. Results: The levels of the measured inflammatory markers were significantly higher in diabetic rats, and notably correlated to the histo-pathological changes. Treatment with aspirin lowered the elevated levels of hsCRP, IL-6 and TNF-α with a considerable protective effect on the affected tissues. Conclusion: Our data suggest the possibility that hsCRP, IL-6 and TNF-α may be a cause of diabetic retinopathy progression and not necessarily a result. We also concluded that anti-inflammatory drugs which target hsCRP, IL-6 and TNF-α may play a crucial role in the prevention of diabetic microvascular complications.