Vitamin C reduces the loss of retinal ganglion cells in chronic glaucoma by inhibiting neuroinflammation.

Abstract

Recent studies have revealed that glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Neuroinflammation is a significant cause of RGC loss. Vitamin C (Vit C) has been shown to inhibit neuroinflammation in other diseases; however, its effects in glaucoma are yet to be determined. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Vit C on RGCs in glaucoma and the underlying mechanisms. Our findings indicate that Vit C treatment protects against elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)-induced loss of RGCs and thinning of retinal thickness in a chronic ocular hypertension model. Further studies revealed that Vit C reduces the overexpression of glial cells by inhibiting the TLR4/cleaved-caspase-8/NLRP3/cleaved-caspase-1 pathway, thereby alleviating neuroinflammation. Additionally, Vit C was found to inhibit the activation of the Bax/Bcl-2/cleaved-caspase-3 pathway, thus reducing RGC apoptosis. In conclusion, Vit C demonstrates neuroprotective effects in chronic glaucoma, potentially through its roles in reducing neuroinflammation and inhibiting apoptosis, suggesting its therapeutic potential for glaucoma.