Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
10.6
6.0
Journals
Antioxidants
Special Issues
Antioxidants and Retinal Diseases—2nd Edition
share announcement

Antioxidants and Retinal Diseases—2nd Edition

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 11252

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Francisco J. Romero

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Hospital General de Requena, Conselleria de Sanitat, Generalitat Valenciana, 46340 Requena, Spain
Interests: neuroscience; antioxidants; experimental ophthalmology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jorge M. Barcia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Valencia, 46001 Valencia, Spain
Interests: exosomes; oxidative stress; neuroscience

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The human retina is certainly one of the most sophisticated nervous tissue organizations that allows individuals to provide visual information to their brain, to be capable of visual perception. The different cell types involved in the processing of visual information, as well as the sustaining cells present in the retina, constitute a complex system and environment. Due to the communication mechanisms and metabolism of all these cells, an adequate redox homeostasis is essential for their function, and many retinal diseases are directly and indirectly related to it. An adequate provision of antioxidants to the ocular structures is crucial for the normal functioning of retinal structures. The synaptic and non-synaptic communication mechanisms within the retina and eventually with other tissues are also affected by redox disequilibrium and have been topics of intense research recently. The better knowledge of these communication mechanisms will certainly lead to a better design of therapies that might retard or desirably avoid blindness. We encourage authors to contribute original research articles or review papers focused on new insights about oxidative pathways or the use of antioxidants as therapeutic tools against retinal diseases.

Prof. Dr. Francisco J. Romero
Dr. Jorge M. Barcia
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antioxidants is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • retinal diseases
  • antioxidants
  • oxygen species
  • extracellular vesicles
  • miRNA

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

24 pages, 8739 KiB  
Article
Combined Herbal Eye Drops Exhibit Neuroprotective and Intraocular Pressure-Reducing Effects in a Glaucoma Rat Model
by Tibor Rak, Evelin Patko, Edina Szabo, Alexandra Vaczy, Dorottya Molitor, Dora Reglodi, Adrienne Csutak and Tamas Atlasz
Antioxidants 2025, 14(5), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14050549 - 1 May 2025
Viewed by 423
Abstract
(1) Background: Glaucoma is a multifactorial group of diseases characterized by progressive optic neuropathy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only successfully modifiable risk factor for all forms of glaucoma. However, recent research has highlighted the reduction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation as promising [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Glaucoma is a multifactorial group of diseases characterized by progressive optic neuropathy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only successfully modifiable risk factor for all forms of glaucoma. However, recent research has highlighted the reduction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation as promising therapeutic targets. In this study, we evaluated the antiglaucomatous effects of a combined herbal extract applied as eye drops in a rat model of glaucoma. (2) Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: healthy controls, glaucomatous animals treated with preservative-free artificial tears, and healthy and glaucomatous groups receiving combined herbal-based eye drops for 8 weeks. Glaucoma was induced through injection of microbeads into the anterior chamber at week 1 and week 3. Before the first injection and at weeks 4 and 8, rats underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) and electroretinogram (ERG) recordings. Retinal analyses were conducted to assess retinal ganglion cell (RGC) count, vessel density, and markers of neural pathways, oxidative stress, and inflammation. (3) Results: The combination of herbal extracts showed beneficial effects on IOP elevation, and significantly improved ERG responses. Neuroprotective effects were assessed using OCT, immunohistochemistry, and proteomics. Most parameters in herbal eye drop-treated rats were not statistically different from those in healthy controls. (4) Conclusions: Topical administration of plant-based compounds may serve as an effective supportive therapy for ocular hypertension and retinal neuroprotection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants and Retinal Diseases—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 7691 KiB  
Article
Neuroprotective Effect of the Combination of Citicoline and CoQ10 in a Mouse Model of Ocular Hypertension
by José A. Matamoros, Sara Rubio-Casado, José A. Fernández-Albarral, Miguel A. Martínez-López, Elena Salobrar-García, Eva M. Marco, Victor Paleo-García, Rosa de Hoz, Inés López-Cuenca, Lorena Elvira-Hurtado, Lidia Sánchez-Puebla, José M. Ramírez, Juan J. Salazar, Meritxell López-Gallardo and Ana I. Ramírez
Antioxidants 2025, 14(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14010004 - 24 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1733
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), with intraocular pressure (IOP) being its primary risk factor. Despite controlling IOP, the neurodegenerative process often continues. Therefore, substances with neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties could protect against RGC [...] Read more.
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), with intraocular pressure (IOP) being its primary risk factor. Despite controlling IOP, the neurodegenerative process often continues. Therefore, substances with neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties could protect against RGC death. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects on RGCs and visual pathway neurons of a compound consisting of citicoline and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in a mouse model of unilateral, laser-induced ocular hypertension (OHT). Four groups of mice were used: vehicle group (n = 6), citicoline + CoQ10 group (n = 6), laser–vehicle group (n = 6), and laser–citicoline + CoQ10 group (n = 6). The citicoline + CoQ10 was administered orally once a day starting 15 days before laser treatment, continuing until sacrifice (7 days post-laser). Retinas, the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), the superior colliculus (SC), and the visual cortex (V1) were analyzed. The citicoline + CoQ10 compound used in the laser–citicoline + CoQ10 group demonstrated (1) an ocular hypotensive effect only at 24 h post-laser; (2) prevention of Brn3a+ RGC death in OHT eyes; and (3) no changes in NeuN+ neurons in the dLGN. This study demonstrates that the oral administration of the citicoline + CoQ10 combination may exert a neuroprotective effect against RGC death in an established rodent model of OHT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants and Retinal Diseases—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 11444 KiB  
Article
Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Altered Glucose Metabolism Contribute to the Retinal Phenotype in the Choroideremia Zebrafish
by Cécile Méjécase, Neelima Nair, Hajrah Sarkar, Pablo Soro-Barrio, Maria Toms, Sophia Halliday, Katy Linkens, Natalia Jaroszynska, Constance Maurer, Nicholas Owen and Mariya Moosajee
Antioxidants 2024, 13(12), 1587; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121587 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1213
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the retina play a key role in maintaining function and cell survival. However, excessive ROS can lead to oxidative stress, inducing dysregulation of metabolic and inflammatory pathways. The chmru848 zebrafish models choroideremia (CHM), an X-linked chorioretinal dystrophy, [...] Read more.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the retina play a key role in maintaining function and cell survival. However, excessive ROS can lead to oxidative stress, inducing dysregulation of metabolic and inflammatory pathways. The chmru848 zebrafish models choroideremia (CHM), an X-linked chorioretinal dystrophy, which predominantly affects the photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and choroid. In this study, we examined the transcriptomic signature of the chmru848 zebrafish retina to reveal the upregulation of cytokine pathways and glia migration, upregulation of oxidative, ER stress and apoptosis markers, and the dysregulation of glucose metabolism with the downregulation of glycolysis and the upregulation of the oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway. Glucose uptake was impaired in the chmru848 retina using the 2-NBDG glucose uptake assay. Following the overexpression of human PFKM, partial rescue was seen with the preservation of photoreceptors and RPE and increased glucose uptake, but without modifying glycolysis and oxidative stress markers. Therapies targeting glucose metabolism in CHM may represent a potential remedial approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants and Retinal Diseases—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 2905 KiB  
Article
(Photo)toxicity of Partially Oxidized Docosahexaenoate and Its Effect on the Formation of Lipofuscin in Cultured Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
by Linda M. Bakker, Michael E. Boulton and Małgorzata B. Różanowska
Antioxidants 2024, 13(11), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13111428 - 20 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1301
Abstract
Docosahexaenoate is a cytoprotective ω-3 polyunsaturated lipid that is abundant in the retina and is essential for its function. Due to its six unsaturated double bonds, docosahexaenoate is highly susceptible to oxidation and the formation of products with photosensitizing properties. This study aimed [...] Read more.
Docosahexaenoate is a cytoprotective ω-3 polyunsaturated lipid that is abundant in the retina and is essential for its function. Due to its six unsaturated double bonds, docosahexaenoate is highly susceptible to oxidation and the formation of products with photosensitizing properties. This study aimed to test on cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells ARPE-19 the (photo)cytotoxic potential of partly oxidized docosahexaenoate and its effect on the formation of lipofuscin from phagocytosed photoreceptor outer segments (POSs). The results demonstrate that the cytoprotective effects of docosahexaenoate do not counteract the deleterious effects of its oxidation products, leading to the concentration-dependent loss of cell metabolic activity, which is exacerbated by concomitant exposure to visible light. Partly oxidized docosahexaenoate does not cause permeability of the cell plasma membrane but does cause apoptosis. While vitamin E can provide partial protection from the (photo)toxicity of partly oxidized docosahexaenoate, zeaxanthin undergoes rapid photodegradation and can exacerbate the (photo)toxicity. Feeding cells with POSs enriched in partly oxidized docosahexaenoate results in a greater accumulation of intracellular fluorescent lipofuscin than in cells fed POSs without the addition. In conclusion, partly oxidized docosahexaenoate increases the accumulation of lipofuscin-like intracellular deposits, is cytotoxic, and its toxicity increases during exposure to light. These effects may contribute to the increased progression of geographic atrophy observed after long-term supplementation with docosahexaenoate in age-related macular degeneration patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants and Retinal Diseases—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 6035 KiB  
Article
Protective Mechanism of Sea buckthorn Proanthocyanidins Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Introduced Oxidative Damage in Adult Retinal Pigment Epithelial-19
by Kaiyuan Ma, Michael Yuen, Tina Yuen, Hywel Yuen and Qiang Peng
Antioxidants 2024, 13(11), 1352; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13111352 - 5 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1395
Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) is an oxidation-resistant cell. But if it is subjected to various harmful stimuli for a prolonged period, an excessive amount of oxyradical will be generated to cause retinal dysfunction. We investigated and elucidated the protective mechanism of Sea buckthorn [...] Read more.
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) is an oxidation-resistant cell. But if it is subjected to various harmful stimuli for a prolonged period, an excessive amount of oxyradical will be generated to cause retinal dysfunction. We investigated and elucidated the protective mechanism of Sea buckthorn proanthocyanidins (SBP) against oxidative damage in RPE. In this study, we established an oxidative damage model of adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19 (ARPE-19) using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), followed by different concentrations of SBP for 24 h. The finding demonstrated that SBP effectively inhibited the generation of malondialdehyde (MDA), restored the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and content of glutathione (GSH), and significantly eliminated the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. It was revealed that 100 µg/mL of SBP was more suitable for restoring oxidative damage in ARPE-19, which enhanced cell activity and migration ability and maintained normal cell morphology. In addition, SBP increased the expression of Bcl-2, decreased the expression of Bax and caspase-3, and activated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to protect ARPE-19 from oxidative stress. Moreover, SBP could restore the morphology and quantity of mitochondria and inhibit mitochondrial permeability and swelling. The present results provide a theoretical basis for the protective and restorative effect of SBP in retinopathy caused by oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants and Retinal Diseases—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

29 pages, 1700 KiB  
Review
Antioxidants in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Lights and Shadows
by Uday Pratap Singh Parmar, Pier Luigi Surico, Tommaso Mori, Rohan Bir Singh, Francesco Cutrupi, Pramila Premkishore, Gabriele Gallo Afflitto, Antonio Di Zazzo, Marco Coassin and Francesco Romano
Antioxidants 2025, 14(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14020152 - 27 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2565
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision impairment worldwide, primarily driven by oxidative stress and inflammation. This review examines the role of antioxidants in mitigating oxidative damage, emphasizing both their therapeutic potential and limitations in AMD management. Key findings underscore [...] Read more.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision impairment worldwide, primarily driven by oxidative stress and inflammation. This review examines the role of antioxidants in mitigating oxidative damage, emphasizing both their therapeutic potential and limitations in AMD management. Key findings underscore the efficacy of specific antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, and Coenzyme Q10, in slowing AMD progression. Landmark studies such as AREDS and AREDS2 have shaped current antioxidant formulations, although challenges persist, including patient variability and long-term safety concerns. Emerging therapies, such as mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants and novel compounds like saffron and resveratrol, offer promising avenues for AMD treatment. Complementary lifestyle interventions, including antioxidant-rich diets and physical activity, further support holistic management approaches. This review highlights the critical role of antioxidants in AMD therapy, advocating for personalized strategies to optimize patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants and Retinal Diseases—2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 293 KiB  
Review
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): A Targeted Antioxidant Strategy to Counter Oxidative Stress in Retinopathy
by Marco Zeppieri, Caterina Gagliano, Fabiana D’Esposito, Mutali Musa, Irene Gattazzo, Maria Sole Zanella, Federico Bernardo Rossi, Alessandro Galan and Silvia Babighian
Antioxidants 2025, 14(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14010006 - 24 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1792
Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids are critical components of cell membranes, including those in the retina. Specifically, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the primary omega-3 fatty acids that have been studied for their potential benefits in retinal health, preventing the progression of [...] Read more.
Omega-3 fatty acids are critical components of cell membranes, including those in the retina. Specifically, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the primary omega-3 fatty acids that have been studied for their potential benefits in retinal health, preventing the progression of retinopathy. Several studies have shown that a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a lower risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Reviewing clinical trials and observational studies that support the protective role of omega-3s in retinal disorders is essential. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the current literature on the role of omega-3 fatty acids, exploring their mechanisms of action and anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and neuroprotective roles in the retina. Omega-3s have been shown to inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, which is a significant factor in proliferative diabetic retinopathy and neovascular AMD. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids are often studied with other nutrients, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins, for their synergistic effects on retinal health. Reviewing these combinations can help understand how omega-3s can be part of a comprehensive approach to preventing or treating retinopathies, especially in diabetic patients. This review emphasizes the preventive function of EPA and DHA in alleviating oxidative stress-related damage in retinal diseases, concentrating on their antioxidative mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidants and Retinal Diseases—2nd Edition)
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop