Aim: 

It has been recently shown that saffron diet supplement protects photoreceptors from apoptosis maintaining both morphology and function in light damaged retinae (LD) (Maccarone et al 2008).

Methods: 

Using gene analysis we verified whether saffron protection is mediated by gene regulation. In addition we extended our analysis to animal models with genetic mutations. Experiments were performed in albino rats (Sprague Dowley) and Royal College of Surgeon (RCS). Saffron was supplemented (1mg/Kg/die):1) in SD rats for 3 weeks before exposing animals at bright continuous light (BCL) (intensity 1000 lux) for 24 hr; 2) in RCS pregnant mother and continued after delivery; at weaning each pup was treated independently. At fixed developmental time animals were recorded then sacrificed, retinae were quickly removed, fixed, cryosectioned and immunolabeled. LD and saffron LD albino rats were sacrificed at the end of light exposure, retinal RNA was extracted and processed on Affymetrix GeneChip® RAT Gene 1.0 ST.

Results: 

Microarray data were analyzed using GCOS Version 1.4 and GeneSpring Version 7.3.1. For 13 genes, microarray data were confirmed using relative quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction techniques. Microarray analysis demonstrated differential regulation in gene expression in LD and saffron LD rats. Saffron treatment reduced photoreceptors death during the first month of postnatal life in RCS rats. Any reduction in photoreceptor death corresponded to an improvement in visual function tested by recording flash electroretinogram (fERG).

Conclusion: 

Present data shows that saffron treatment modulates gene expression and protects photoreceptor from apoptosis also in neurodegenerative retinae.