Effect of <i>N</i>‐acetylcysteine on the early expression of inflammatory markers in the retina and plasma of diabetic rats

Abstract

Macrophage/microglia activation, pericyte loss and endothelial/perivascular cell changes occur early in the pathogenesis of DR. These changes are associated with an increase in plasma markers of oxidative stress and inflammation and are minimized by treatment with NAC. The results suggest that therapies that reduce free radicals will help minimize the early events in diabetic retinopathy in the STZ model.