Conclusion
Niacin combined with citicoline is highly effective in restoring RGC physiology but its therapeutic potential needs to be further explored. In fact, the translation of the present compound to humans is limited by several factors including the mouse modeling, the higher doses of the supplements that are necessary to demonstrate their efficacy over a short follow up period and the scarce knowledge of their transport to the bloodstream and to the eventual target tissues in the eye.
Methods
Ocular hypertension was induced by an intracameral injection of methylcellulose that clogs the trabecular meshwork. Electroretinography and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate RGC function and density. Oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic markers were evaluated by Western blot analysis.
Results
The present results support an optimal efficacy of niacin with citicoline at their best dosage in preventing RGC loss. In fact, about 50% of RGCs were spared from death leading to improved electroretinographic responses to flash and pattern stimulation. Upregulated levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were also consistently reduced by almost 50% after niacin with citicoline thus providing a significant strength to the validity of their combination.