rhNGF shows neuroprotective efficacy by counteracting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in a glaucoma mouse model

Abstract

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative condition characterised by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and irreversible vision impairment and one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Current treatments primarily focus on reducing intraocular pressure (IOP), yet many patients continue to experience disease progression. Neurotrophin-based therapies, such as recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF), offer a promising candidate alternative by directly targeting neuronal survival mechanisms. In this study, we evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of a single intravitreal administration of rhNGF in a well-established genetic murine model of spontaneous pigmentary glaucoma, assessing its effects on visual function, retinal morphology, metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Our results demonstrate that rhNGF ameliorates visual acuity loss, preserves retinal thickness, sustains RGC survival, and reduces oxidative stress and neuroinflammation both in early-stage and fully developed disease. Notably, these protective effects persisted for several weeks after a single intravitreal administration. Collectively, our findings support rhNGF as a multifaceted neuroprotective approach to hamper glaucomatous damage.