Methylglyoxal administration induces inflammatory response and microglial activation in the mouse retina

Question: Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive glucose metabolite and modifies both protein and DNA leading to an upregulation of many inflammatory and tissue-injury-provoking molecules. It therefore has an important role in the development of diabetic complications such as diabetic retinopathy, whereas its exact role yet needs to be demonstrated. We determine which impact MG alone has on the inflammatory response in a normoglycemic retina. Methods: 6-week old C57BL/6 mice were injected intravitreally with MG at a dosage of 10 mmol/L and a volume of 1 µl/eye. Age-matched mice without MG treatment served as co…