Ana I. Arroba

Dr. Ana I. Arroba


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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17 June 2025 in Pharmaceutics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EDElena Díaz-Paredes
Elena Díaz-Paredes
FMFrancisco Martín-Loro
Francisco Martín-Loro
RRRocio Rodríguez-Marín
Rocio Rodríguez-Marín
MJM Laura Gómez Jaramillo
M Laura Gómez Jaramillo
ESElena M Sánchez-Fernández
Elena M Sánchez-Fernández
AAAna I. Arroba
Ana I. Arroba
Background/Objectives: Diabetic retinopathy is an ocular disease caused by changes in the expression of inflammatory mediators and increased oxidative stress in the retina and is the leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. Currently, there is no treatment capable of reversing retinal damage, which represents a significant burden on the quality of life of patients. (1R)-1-Dodecylsulfonyl-5N,6O-oxomethylidenenojirimycin stands outs as a prototype of the sp2-iminoglycolipids family for its beneficial neuroprotective effect against this chronic eye disease. Critical issues related to the low solubility and bioavailability of this glycolipid in biological settings are overcome by its encapsulation in a Zeolitic-Imidazolate Framework (ZIF) structure, resulting in homogeneous and biocompatible GlycoZIF nanoparticles. Cell studies show an enhanced cellular uptake compared with the free glycolipid, and importantly, its bioactivity is preserved once released inside cells. Methods: Extensive in vitro and ex vivo assays with diabetic retinopathy models unveil the mechanistic pathways of the designed GlycoZIF. Results: A reduction in proinflammatory mediators, increased heme oxygenase-1 level, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome, and reduced reactive gliosis is shown. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate for the first time the potential of Glyco-modified ZIFs for the treatment of diabetes-related ocular problems by controlling the immune-mediated inflammatory response.