The role of methylglyoxal in the early stage of diabetic retinopathy

Background: Diabetic retinopathy is a main cause of blindness in industrialized countries and is accompanied by glial activation, vasoregression and neurodegeneration. Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) are important metabolits in diabetic patients and causing vascular and neuronal damages in the retina. MG, a reactive α-dicarbonacid and precursor of AGEs, modifies proteins and regulates gene expression in diabetes. However, the role of MG in diabetic retinopathy is unknown. Aim: This study was aimed at the role of methylglyoxal in the rat retina. Methods: Male Wistar rats were grouped and treated with strept…