Effect of renin treatment on the expression of fibronectin and beta-catenin in human trabecular cells

• Grant number: 17/05657-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2018
• End date: February 28, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Jayter Silva de Paula
• Grantee: Valéria Batista Boreck Seki
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Several products are related to the ischemic process, and have been associated with glaucomatous damage of specific ocular tissues. In this disease, cellular and extracellular changes in the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal result in a high intraocular pressure by impacting the aqueous humor outflow. The renin-angiotensin system has been involved in the pathological events related to ischemia and oxidative stress observed in many organs, including the eye, but key points of this process have not been deeply studied in glaucoma. Also, considering that modulation of renin-angiotensin system elements may cause decreases in the intraocular pressure both in humans and animal models of glaucoma, we hypothesize that renin-angiotensin system elements are involved in pathological changes observed in the anterior segment of patients with glaucoma. To test this hypothesis, this study will evaluate the expression of fibronectin and beta-catenin in cultured human trabecular cells, after treatment with renin. Our findings will clarify the relationship between renin-angiotensin system components and changes in the aqueous humor outflow observed in glaucomatous eyes. This study will also provide innovative information, which could be important for the development of new therapeutic approaches for glaucoma, and other ocular ischemic diseases. (AU)