PhD Scientific Days 2025

Molecular Medicine II.

Sigma-1 Receptor Agonist Fluvoxamine Is Protective Against Hyperglycemia-Induced Fibrosis in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells

Name of the presenter

Rozsahegyi Alexandra

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University, Pediatric Center, Bókay Street

Authors

Alexandra Rozsahegyi^1,2, Judit Hodrea^1,2, Marcell Cserhalmi^1,2, Timea Medveczki^1,2, Balazs Besztercei³, Illes Kovacs⁴, Attila J. Szabo², Andrea Fekete^1,2

1: MTA-SE Lendület “Momentum” Diabetes Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest
2: Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, Semmelweis University, Budapest
3: Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest
4: Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest

Text of the abstract

Introduction:
Glaucoma is a common ocular complication of diabetes. It is associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to dysfunction and fibrotic changes of the trabecular meshwork (TM). While the exact molecular mechanisms remain unclear, high glucose concentration in the aqueous humor significantly contributes to TM fibrosis.
Aims:
Previously, we showed the antifibrotic effect of the Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) agonist fluvoxamine (FLU) in human trabecular meshwork (HTM-5) cells. In this study, we investigated whether FLU is effective in preventing high glucose-induced fibrotic changes in HTM-5 cells.
Methods:
Cells were exposed to high glucose (HG, 25 mM) alone or in combination with FLU (15 µM) for 24/48 hours. Cell proliferation was assessed using MTT assay. The gene expression of TGF-β2 and COL1A1 was quantified by real-time qPCR. Protein levels of S1R, fibronectin (Fn) and COL4A1 were analyzed by Western blot. Immunocytochemistry was used to examine the levels of S1R and F-actin. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured using fluorescence-based assay.
Results:
FLU treatment upregulated S1R protein levels, while reducing the expression of profibrotic factor TGF-β2 and extracellular matrix components Fn, COL4A1 and COL1A1. High glucose concentration induced F-actin accumulation, indicating cytoskeletal remodeling, while FLU treatment mitigated this effect. Moreover, FLU significantly suppressed high glucose-induced cell proliferation. FLU treatment effectively enhanced intracellular NO levels and reduced ROS generation, demonstrating its antioxidant capacity in preventing oxidative stress caused by high glucose.
Conclusions:
These findings highlight S1R activation by its agonist FLU as a promising therapeutic approach for alleviating high glucose-induced fibrotic changes in the eye by modulating various molecular pathways.
Funding:
LP2021-3/2021, TKP2021-EGA-24, STAGE 2024-1.2.3-HU-RIZONT-2024-00056, SigmaDrugs Research

rozsahegyi.alexandra@phd.semmelweis.hu
Semmelweis University

supervisor: Prof. Fekete Andrea