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ABSTRACT
Saffron is a spice that has been traditionally used as a regimen for a variety of diseases due to its potent antioxidant attributes. It is well documented that impaired systemic oxidative status is firmly associated with diverse adverse effects including retinal damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of saffron administration against the retinal damage in apoE −/− mice fed a high-fat diet, since they constitute a designated experimental model susceptible to oxidative stress. Twenty-one mice were allocated into three groups: Group A (control, n = 7 c57bl/6 mice) received standard chow diet; Group B (high-fat, n = 7 apoE −/− mice) received a high-fat diet; and Group C (high-fat and saffron, n = 7 apoE −/− mice) received a high-fat diet and saffron (25 mg/kg/d) through their drinking water. The duration of the study was 20 weeks. Lipidemic profile, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), and total oxidative capacity (PerOX) were measured in blood serum. Histological analysis of retina was also conducted. Administration of saffron resulted in enhanced glycemic control and preservation of retinal thickness when compared with apoE −/− mice fed a high-fat diet. The outcomes of the study suggest the potential protective role of saffron against retinal damage induced by oxidative stress. Nevertheless, verification of these results in humans is required before any definite conclusions can be drawn.
Declaration of interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.
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Evangelos K. Doumouchtsis
Evangelos K. Doumouchtsis, MD, PhD, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “N.S. Christeas,” Athens, Greece.
Aspasia Tzani
Aspasia Tzani, MD, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “N.S. Christeas,” Athens, Greece.
Ilias P. Doulamis
Ilias P. Doulamis, MD, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “N.S. Christeas,” Athens, Greece.
Panagiotis Konstantopoulos
Panagiotis Konstantopoulos, MSc, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “N.S. Christeas,” Athens, Greece.
Korou Laskarina-Maria
Korou Laskarina-Maria, PhD, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “N.S. Christeas,” Athens, Greece.
Georgios Agrogiannis
Georgios Agrogiannis, MD, PhD, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, 1st Department of Pathology, Athens, Greece.
Emmanouil Agapitos
Emmanouil Agapitos, MD, PhD, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, 1st Department of Pathology, Athens, Greece.
Marilita M. Moschos
Marilita M. Moschos, MD, PhD, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, University Eye Clinic, General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas,” Athens, Greece.
Alkiviadis Kostakis
Alkiviadis Kostakis, MD, PhD, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “N.S. Christeas,” Athens, Greece.
Despina N. Perrea
Despina N. Perrea, MD, PhD, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research “N.S. Christeas,” Athens, Greece.