Backgrounds
Cataract is the leading cause of ocular blindness, which is mainly associated with oxidative stress. The study evaluated and elucidated the molecular mechanism of phloretin, a potent antioxidant flavonoid, against cataract using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo experimental studies.
Methods
The Molecular mechanism of phloretin against cataract was elucidated using computational tools and a database. Further, therapeutic and pathophysiological insights of phloretin were evaluated against the naphthalene-induced cataract model in Sprague Dawley albino rats (either sex, 12–15 weeks, 150–180 g). The anticataract activity of Phloretin at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg/day, p.o., was assessed against the naphthalene (1 g/kg/day, p.o., for four weeks) induced model. The progression of lens opacity was assessed weekly, and pathophysiological markers were assessed after completion of experiments.
Results
In-silico studies revealed that NFKB1 is the most favorable key target for phloretin to manage cataract by modulating PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Ras, and cellular senescence signaling pathways. The in-vivo study showed that phloretin treatments at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg considerably retained the lens transparency and mitigated the progression of cataract formation. Phloretin treatments significantly (P < 0.05) restored the worsened pathophysiological markers indicated by increasing antioxidants (CAT, SOD, and GSH), protein contents, and Ca2 +ATPase activity and decreasing lipid peroxidant (MDA), nitrite contents, and Ca2+ ion.
Conclusion
On the basis of the findings, phloretin shows potential beneficial effects in the management of cataract. These effects might be associated with the mitigation of oxidative stress and modulation of NFKB1 and PTPN11 action, which needs to be validated in future studies.
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