Author:
Li Jiaxian,Zhou Wei,Liang Lina,Li Yamin,Xu Kai,Li Xiaoyu,Huang Ziyang,Jin Yu
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Electrical activity has a crucial impact on the development and survival of neurons. Numerous recent studies have shown that noninvasive electrical stimulation (NES) has neuroprotective action in various retinal disorders.
Objective
To systematically review the literature on in vivo studies and provide a comprehensive summary of the neuroprotective action and the mechanisms of NES on retinal disorders.
Methods
Based on the PRISMA guideline, a systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library to collect all relevant in vivo studies on “the role of NES on retinal diseases” published up until September 2023. Possible biases were identified with the adopted SYRCLE’s tool.
Results
Of the 791 initially gathered studies, 21 articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria for full-text review. The results revealed the neuroprotective effect of NES (involved whole-eye, transcorneal, transscleral, transpalpebral, transorbital electrical stimulation) on different retinal diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa, retinal degeneration, high-intraocular pressure injury, traumatic optic neuropathy, nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. NES could effectively delay degeneration and apoptosis of retinal neurons, preserve retinal structure and visual function with high security, and its mechanism of action might be related to promoting the secretion of neurotrophins and growth factors, decreasing inflammation, inhibiting apoptosis. The quality scores of included studies ranged from 5 to 8 points (a total of 10 points), according to SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool.
Conclusion
This systematic review indicated that NES exerts neuroprotective effects on retinal disease models mainly through its neurotrophic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic capabilities. To assess the efficacy of NES in a therapeutic setting, however, well-designed clinical trials are required in the future.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology,General Medicine
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