부산대학교 도서관

Aims/Purpose: Many systemic and ocular disturbances are closely related to oxidative stress, including hypertensive eye diseases. In this context, the oral administration of wild olive oil, also known as acebuche (ACE) oil (Olea europaea var. sylvestris), proved to modulate local production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase1. Here we aimed to develop an ophthalmic formulation based on ACE oil as a localized therapy against oxidative damage associated with arterial hypertension (AH). Methods: Nanoemulsions (NEs) of ACE oil were successfully produced, characterized, and evaluated in vivo in terms of efficacy. The antioxidant properties of these NEs were tested in mice with AH induced via administration of Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine‐methyl‐ester (L‐NAME), which underwent intravitreal or topical ophthalmic treatment with ACE oil NEs. At the end of the treatments, a histological analysis of the cornea and retina was performed together with an evaluation of the activity/expression of NADPH oxidase in these ocular tissues. Results: Adequate ophthalmic formulations were designed to present the features for ophthalmic administration, including a nanometre size (below 200 nm), moderate negative ZP, adequate osmolality and pH, among others. Histological analysis indicated that NEs reduced hypertension‐dependent morphological alterations in the cornea and retina. Furthermore, the evaluation of the activity and expression of NADPH oxidase suggest a noticeable antioxidant effect of NEs through downregulation of NOX1, NOX2 and NOX4 isoforms and counteracting excess ROS production in the hypertensive eye. Conclusions: Topical administration, via intravitreal or drop instillation, of an ophthalmic formulation based on ACE oil NEs might show promise against ocular pathologies related to AH. Interestingly, this therapeutical approach provided better outcomes compared to long‐term dietary administration of the oil, both in terms of cumulative dose and treatment time required. References 1. Santana‐Garrido Á et al. Antioxidants. 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9090885 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]