The possible alleviating effect of garlic supplement on the neural retina in a rat model of hypercholesterolemia: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to prove that oxidative stress is the main mechanism responsible for retinal neurodegenerative changes, subsequent apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokine release in rats fed with a high cholesterol diet (HCD) and determine the role of garlic in alleviating these changes. Forty rats were equally divided into four groups: control, garlic-treated (positive control), HCD, and HCD + garlic-treated (HCD + G). By the end of the experiment (24 weeks) blood samples were collected for assessment of serum lipid profile, oxidative stress parameters, and plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α. Both eyes of the rats were enucleated; one was used for light microscopic examination and the other for electron microscopic examination. There was a significant increase in the levels of serum lipids, oxidative stress parameters, IL-6 and TNF-α, and area of expression of caspase-3 in the HCD group compared to both the control and HCD + G groups. Histological examination revealed degenerative changes in all layers of the neural retina in the HCD group. Garlic administration resulted in a significant improvement in the biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histological characteristics of hypercholesterolemic rats. These findings support the hypotheses that garlic has strong antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic ameliorates the neurodegenerative changes in the neural retina of hypercholesteremic rats.

Evaluation of the Effect of Garlic Tablet as a Complementary Treatment for Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

“…On the other hand, the increase in optic nerve blood flow is reported to have a pivotal role in the improvement of visual acuity in glaucoma patients [ 36 ]. Garlic is also demonstrated to ameliorate the process of neurodegeneration of the neural retina in animal models [ 37 ], which might support our finding. Given that ocular ischemia due to vascular endothelium damage is the main cause of diabetic retinopathy and damage to the neural retina, it is suggested that garlic intake might improve visual acuity by increasing the ocular blood flow and protecting the neural retina from oxidant stress.…”

PREVENTIVE EFFECTS OF FIGS POWDER & GARLIC POWDER IN MALE ALBINO RATS WITH INDUCED DYSLIPIDEMIA

“…Dyslipidemia is one of the strong predisposing factors for developing cardiovascular disorders (Coenen et al, 2021). Cardiovascular disorders are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide.…”

“…These phenolic compounds also play an important role in regulating lipid metabolism and cholesterol synthesis, so figs act as anti-dyslipidemic agents (Russo et al, 2014). Garlic (Allium Sativum) is one of the natural plants or herbs used for treating hypercholesterolemia for many centuries (Arafat et al, 2021). In the Roman Empire, garlic consider a drug of choice for cardiac problems and skin problems (Elkordy et al, 2021).…”

“…Dyslipidemia is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disorders worldwide (Thongtang et al, 2022). Dyslipidemia initiates atherosclerosis, commonly leading to angina pectoris or myocardial infarction (Coenen et al, 2021). Dyslipidemia is directly or indirectly involved in the incline mortality ratio due to cardiovascular diseases worldwide.…”

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective and Oxidative Stress Reducing Activities of Garlic And/or Ginger Against Cisplatin-induced Liver Toxicity in Rats.

“…Garlic was obtained from ATOS Pharma (Cairo, Egypt) as Tomex Plus tablets (300 mg dried garlic powder). Garlic tablets were crushed, dissolved in normal saline, and was administered at dose 200 mg/kg body weight according to Arafat et. al., (2021).…”