Fluorinated Oxazolidine Derivative RS-10 Ameliorates Hyperglycemic Conditions and Restores Visual Function in an In Vivo Zebrafish Diabetic Retinopathy Model

PURPOSE: The pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy involves oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal dysfunction, with oxidative stress playing a critical role in retinal cell injury. The current study evaluates the therapeutic potential of 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,2-oxazolidine, a fluorinated oxazolidine derivative with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties, in mitigating diabetic retinopathy-induced retinal damage using a zebrafish model. METHODS: Adult zebrafish were divided into five groups: control (group I, no intervention), STZ-induced diabetic retinopathy (group II, 50 μL of 7 mg/mL STZ administered intraperitoneally followed by 1% glucose exposure for 30 min, with an intravitreal injection of 20 μL of 7% STZ on day 7), 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,2-oxazolidine low dose (group III, 50 μM 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,2-oxazolidine administered intraperitoneally on days 14 and 21 post-induction), 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,2-oxazolidine mid dose (group IV, 100 μM 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,2-oxazolidine administered intraperitoneally on days 14 and 21 post-induction), and 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,2-oxazolidine high dose (group V, 200 μM 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,2-oxazolidine administered intraperitoneally on days 14 and 21 post-induction). Retinal histomorphometry, optomotor response, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory markers were assessed across all groups. RESULTS: with the suppression underscoring 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,2-oxazolidine's ability to mitigate inflammation and oxidative damage. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the therapeutic efficacy of 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,2-oxazolidine in preventing diabetic retinopathy-related retinal degeneration by reducing oxidative stress and preserving retinal function, suggesting further investigation into its clinical applicability for managing retinal diseases linked to oxidative stress and inflammation.