2. Academic Validation
  3. Chronic Sleep Deprivation Impairs Visual Functions via Oxidative Damage in Mice

Chronic Sleep Deprivation Impairs Visual Functions via Oxidative Damage in Mice

  • Am J Pathol. 2024 Feb;194(2):307-320. doi: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.11.004.
Liying Tang 1,  Houjian Zhang 2,  Yi Liao 3,  Shengmei Zhou 3,  Yaqiong Yang 3,  Mouxin Zhang 3,  Yuli Guo 2,  Tingyu Xie 4,  Shikun Chen 4,  Weijie Ouyang 3,  Xiang Lin 5,  Shaopan Wang 3,  Caihong Huang 3,  Minjie Zhang 3,  Jingbin Zhuang 3,  Jiankai Zhao 3,  Rongrong Zhang 3,  Changjun Zhang 6,  Zibing Jin 6,  Jiaoyue Hu 7,  Zuguo Liu 8
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Xiamen University-affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
  • 2 Xiamen University-affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China.
  • 3 Xiamen University-affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
  • 4 Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
  • 5 Xiamen University-affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
  • 6 Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Laboratory, Beijing, China.
  • 7 Xiamen University-affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • 8 Xiamen University-affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Fujian Engineering and Research Center of Eye Regenerative Medicine, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
PMID: 38245252 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.11.004
Abstract

Sleep deprivation (SD) is a global public health burden, and has a detrimental role in the nervous system. Retina is an important part of the central nervous system; however, whether SD affects retinal structures and functions remains largely unknown. Herein, chronic SD mouse model indicated that loss of sleep for 4 months could result in reductions in the visual functions, but without obvious morphologic changes of the retina. Ultrastructural analysis by transmission electron microscope revealed the deterioration of mitochondria, which was accompanied with the decrease of multiple mitochondrial proteins in the retina. Mechanistically, oxidative stress was provoked by chronic SD, which could be ameliorated after rest, and thus restore retinal homeostasis. Moreover, the supplementation of two antioxidants, α-lipoic acid and N-acetyl-l-cysteine, could reduce retinal Reactive Oxygen Species, repair damaged mitochondria, and, as a result, improve the retinal functions. Overall, this work demonstrated the essential roles of sleep in maintaining the integrity and health of the retina. More importantly, it points towards supplementation of antioxidants as an effective intervention strategy for people experiencing sleep shortages.

Figures
Products