Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), an endogenous inhibitor of thioredoxin, has been shown to be associated with diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy.
Therefore, our results suggest that the TXNIP-Trx-TrxR redox pathway may participate in RPE dysfunction in DR and other retinal neurodegenerative diseases.
In this study, our aim is to determine the effect of Trx on neurodegeneration induced by AGEs in order to identify new therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment and prevention of DR.
In the present study, grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) was used to upregulate the expression of thioredoxin (Trx), in order to evaluate its potential as a novel agent for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including diabetic retinopathy.