Diabetic retinopathy is largely driven by oxidative stress and apoptosis in retinal cells, threatening vision in people with type 2 diabetes. Findings presented at EASD 2025 highlight that GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, may protect retinal endothelial cells from such damage.

In this in vitro study, human retinal endothelial cells were exposed to high glucose and hydrogen peroxide to simulate a diabetic environment. Cells treated with semaglutide showed significantly improved viability and intracellular ATP levels compared to controls.

The treatment also markedly reduced apoptosis, mitochondrial superoxide production, and accumulation of advanced glycation end-products. Confocal microscopy confirmed attenuation of oxidative stress, while gene expression analyses revealed upregulation of antioxidant-related genes and downregulation of apoptosis-associated genes. Key transcription factors were increased by approximately 50% with semaglutide treatment.

Importantly, no cytotoxic effects were observed, underscoring the safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists in retinal cells. These results suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may offer a therapeutic strategy to preserve retinal integrity and mitigate diabetes-induced ocular complications.