The protective effect of Citicoline on the optic nerve is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Antioxidative stress: Citicoline can reduce oxidative stress, which is an important factor causing cell damage in neurodegenerative diseases. It protects retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from oxidative damage by increasing the activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes and reducing the generation of free radicals.
Anti-excitotoxicity: Citicoline can reduce the excitotoxicity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter. Excessive accumulation of glutamate can lead to intracellular calcium overload, which in turn causes cell death. Citicoline reduces the accumulation of glutamate outside the cell by upregulating glutamate transporters, such as EAAT2.
Anti-apoptotic effect: Citicoline can reduce cell apoptosis by affecting intracellular signaling pathways, such as mitochondria-dependent cell death mechanisms.
Improving nerve conduction: Citicoline can improve nerve conduction in the visual pathway, which is reflected by improving the parameters of the pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP), which reflect the functional status of RGCs and their axons.
Promoting nerve regeneration: Citicoline can support axon regeneration, which is essential for recovery after optic nerve injury.
Mitochondrial protection: Citicoline protects mitochondria from damage by promoting mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, which is essential for maintaining the survival and function of nerve cells.
Vascular protection: Citicoline can improve retinal blood flow, which is essential for providing adequate oxygen and nutrients, as well as removing metabolic waste.
Phospholipid synthesis: Citicoline is a precursor for the synthesis of phospholipids, which is essential for maintaining the structure and function of cell membranes, especially for the membrane stability of neurons and the transmission of nerve impulses.
Reducing inflammation: Citicoline can regulate inflammatory responses and reduce the release of inflammatory factors, which is very important for reducing neuroinflammation and protecting nerve cells from further damage.
Neurotrophic support: Citicoline can increase the synthesis of neurotrophic factors, which are essential for the survival, development and function of neurons.
Citicoline has a protective effect on the optic nerve through multiple mechanisms, which show potential in the treatment of ophthalmic neurodegenerative diseases.
[1] Oddone F, Rossetti L, Parravano M, et al. Citicoline in ophthalmological neurodegenerative disease: a comprehensive review[J]. Pharmaceuticals, 2021, 14(3): 281.
*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.
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