Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids preserve retinal function in type 2 diabetic mice

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is associated with hyperglycemia-driven microvascular pathology and neuronal compromise in the retina. However, DR is also linked to dyslipidemia. As omega-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are protective in proliferative retinopathy, we investigated the capacity of omega-3PUFAs to preserve retinal function in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). DESIGN: Male leptin-receptor-deficient (db/db) mice were maintained for 22 weeks (4 weeks-26 weeks of life) on calorically and compositionally matched diets, except for 2% enrichment in either omega-3 or omega-6PUFAs. Visual function was assessed at 9, 14 and 26 weeks by electroretinography. Retinal capillary and neuronal integrity, as well as glucose challenge responses, were assessed on each diet. RESULTS: The omega-3PUFA diet significantly preserved retinal function in the mouse model of T2DM to levels similar to those observed in nondiabetic control mice on normal chow. Conversely, retinal function gradually deteriorated in db/db mice on a omega-6PUFA-rich diet. There was also an enhanced ability of omega-3PUFA-fed mice to respond to glucose challenge. The protection of visual function appeared to be independent of cytoprotective or anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3PUFAs. CONCLUSION: This study identifies beneficial effects of dietary omega-3PUFAs on visual function in T2DM. The data are consistent with dyslipidemia negatively impacting retinal function. As omega-3PUFA lipid dietary interventions are readily available, safe and inexpensive, increasing omega-3PUFA intake in diabetic patients may slow the progression of vision loss in T2DM. Nutrition and Diabetes (2012) 2, e36; doi: 10.1038/nutd.2012.10; published online 23 July 2012