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Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology

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Open Access 01-01-2019 | Basic Science

Activation of the sweet taste receptor T1R3 by sucralose attenuates VEGF-induced vasculogenesis in a cell model of the retinal microvascular endothelium

Authors: Polina Lizunkova, Emmanuella Enuwosa, Havovi Chichger

Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

One of the most prevalent microvascular complications for patients with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy (DR) associated with increased retinal endothelial blood vessel formation. Treatments to reduce vascularisation in the retinal endothelium are linked to improved sight in patients with DR. Recently, we have demonstrated the novel protective role of the artificial sweetener, sucralose, and the sweet taste receptor, T1R3, in the pulmonary endothelium to reduce vascular leak. In the present study, we examined the role of sucralose and sweet taste receptors on vasculogenic processes (proliferation, migration, adhesion and tube formation) in a cell model of the retinal endothelium.

Methods

We exposed human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMVEC) to VEGF as an in vitro model of DR in the presence and absence of T1R3 agonist sucralose.

Results

In RMVEC, we observed increased VEGF-induced cell proliferation, migration, adhesion and tube formation, which was significantly attenuated by exposure to the artificial sweetener sucralose. Following siRNA knockdown of the sweet taste receptor, T1R3, but not T1R2, the protective effect of sucralose on VEGF-induced RMVEC vasculogenic processes was blocked. We further demonstrate that sucralose attenuates VEGF-induced Akt phosphorylation to protect the retinal microvasculature.

Conclusion

These studies are the first to demonstrate a protective effect of an artificial sweetener, through the sweet taste receptor T1R3, on VEGF-induced vasculogenesis in a retinal microvascular endothelial cell line.

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Title: Activation of the sweet taste receptor T1R3 by sucralose attenuates VEGF-induced vasculogenesis in a cell model of the retinal microvascular endothelium
Authors: Polina Lizunkova
Emmanuella Enuwosa
Havovi Chichger
Publication date: 01-01-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 0721-832X
Electronic ISSN: 1435-702X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-018-4157-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Activation of the sweet taste receptor T1R3 by sucralose attenuates VEGF-induced vasculogenesis in a cell model of the retinal microvascular endothelium

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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