Experimental Eye Research 2015-06-01

Topical cyclodextrin reduces amyloid beta and inflammation improving retinal function in ageing mice.

Jaimie Hoh Kam, Aisling Lynch, Rana Begum, Alex Cunea, Glen Jeffery

Index: Exp. Eye Res. 135 , 59-66, (2015)

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Abstract

Retinal ageing results in chronic inflammation, extracellular deposition, including that of amyloid beta (Aβ) and declining visual function. In humans this can progress into age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is without cure. Therapeutic approaches have focused on systemic immunotherapies without clinical resolution. Here, we show using aged mice that 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, a sugar molecule given as eye drops over 3 months results in significant reductions in Aβ by 65% and inflammation by 75% in the aged mouse retina. It also elevates retinal pigment epithelium specific protein 65 (RPE65), a key molecule in the visual cycle, in aged retina. These changes are accompanied by a significant improvement in retinal function measured physiologically. 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin is as effective in reducing Aβ and inflammation in the complement factor H knockout (Cfh(-/-)) mouse that shows advanced ageing and has been proposed as an AMD model. β-cyclodextrin is economic, safe and may provide an efficient route to reducing the impact of retinal ageing. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.