TLR4 Inhibition Protects against Retinal Ganglion Cell Damage in Rats with Chronic Ocular Hypertension.

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the protective effect of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor Resatorvid (TAK-242) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in a chronic ocular hypertension (COH) rat model, as well as to explore the potential involved mechanisms.

METHODS

COH model was built up in rats with a single intracameral administration of cross-linking hydrogel. The expression levels of TLR4, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), microglial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated in COH retinas and COH retinas treated with TAK-242 using immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. Additionally, retrograde labeling and neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) staining were performed to count RGCs.

RESULTS

Activated microglia and increased TLR4 expression were observed in the retinas of COH rats. This was accompanied by upregulated expressions of NLRP3, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Intravitreal injection of TAK-242 promoted the survival of RGCs by attenuating microglial activation, interfering with the TLR4-NLRP3 pathway and regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeting TLR4 inhibition could be a potential therapeutic strategy to protect RGCs from COH damage.