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Carotenoids and Retinoids (Poster Session)

(P01-018-24) Synergistic Effects of Lutein/Zeaxanthin Isomers and Quercetagetin on Retinal G-Protein-Coupled Receptors and Neurotrophic Factors

Sunday, June 30, 2024
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM CT
Location: Poster Board 386
Disclosure(s):
Nurhan Sahin, PhD: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Kazim Sahin, Prof: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.


Objectives: Previous studies have highlighted various molecular pathways involved in light-induced retinal damage, including mitochondrial and DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Macular xanthophyll carotenoids accumulate in the macula, potentially providing protection against photo-oxidative damage by filtering harmful blue light. However, there is insufficient molecular evidence to evaluate the impact of lutein/zeaxanthin isomers and quercetagetin in reducing photo-oxidative damage and filtering harmful blue light to the retina. In the present study, we investigated the combined effects of lutein/zeaxanthin (L/Z, Lutemax 2020) and quercetagetin (QCG) on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and neurotrophic factors in a rat model of LED-induced retinal damage.

Methods: Sixty-three Wistar rats were divided into nine groups, each consisting of seven rats. For 28 days, the rats received either L/Z at doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg BW, quercetin (QC) at 20 mg/kg BW, QCG at doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg BW, or a combination of varying doses of lutein and QCG after which they were exposed to LED light for 48 hours.

Results: Exposure to LED light led to reductions in serum total antioxidant capacity and the expression levels of retinal rhodopsin (Rho), rod arrestin (Sag), G protein subunit alpha transducin1 (Gnat1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF) (P < 0.0001 for all). Administration of L/Z and QCG, particularly a 1:1 combination of L/Z and QCG at a dose of 20 mg/kg, increased total antioxidant capacity and mRNA expressions of Rho, SAG, GNAT-1, BDNF, and NGF compared to vehicle controls (P < 0.0001 for all).

Conclusions: As a result, although LED light exposure resulted in retinal damage, L/Z, QC, and QCG treatments, especially a combination of L/Z and QCG, exhibited protective effects on the retina, likely through the modulation of on the G protein-coupled receptors and neurotrophic factors in the retinal cells of the rats.

Funding Sources: Omniactive Health Technology (Mumbai, India)