scholarly journals Microbiota and Ocular Diseases

Author(s):  
Wei Xue ◽  
Jing Jing Li ◽  
Yanli Zou ◽  
Bin Zou ◽  
Lai Wei

Recent advances have identified significant associations between the composition and function of the gut microbiota and various disorders in organ systems other than the digestive tract. Utilizing next-generation sequencing and multiomics approaches, the microbial community that possibly impacts ocular disease has been identified. This review provides an overview of the literature on approaches to microbiota analysis and the roles of commensal microbes in ophthalmic diseases, including autoimmune uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other ocular disorders. In addition, this review discusses the hypothesis of the “gut-eye axis” and evaluates the therapeutic potential of targeting commensal microbiota to alleviate ocular inflammation.

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (39) ◽  
pp. 4185-4191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Scuderi ◽  
Sergio Davinelli ◽  
Clemente Maria Iodice ◽  
Silvia Bartollino ◽  
Giovanni Scapagnini ◽  
...  

Melatonin, an indoleamine secreted mainly by the pineal gland, is known to modulate a wide range of circadian functions. However, this neurohormone is also synthesized within the eye and acts directly on ocular structures to mediate a variety of physiological processes. This review is focused on the role and therapeutic potential of melatonin in ocular diseases. We summarize data indicating that melatonin may represent a powerful tool to counteract ocular dysfunctions such as uveitis, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. A search strategy was conducted to identify studies in PubMed (January 1990 to September 2017). In particular, we included experimental studies, clinical trials, and reviews to provide suitable insights and elucidations regarding the action of melatonin on age-related ocular disorders. Literature data suggest that melatonin could potentially protect ocular tissues by decreasing the production of free radicals and pro-inflammatory mediators. Additionally, melatonin appears to be safe and well-tolerated, even at high doses, and no adverse/side effects were reported. Although this topic remains under intense investigation, we can conclude that melatonin, as a single agent or in combination with other drugs, is an attractive pharmacological candidate for age-related ocular diseases.


Author(s):  
Milad Ahani-Nahayati ◽  
Vahid Niazi ◽  
Alireza Moradi ◽  
Bahareh Pourjabbar ◽  
Reza Roozafzoon ◽  
...  

: As the ocular disorders causing long-term blindness or optical abnormalities of the ocular tissue affect the quality of life of patients to a large extent, awareness of their corresponding pathogenesis and the earlier detection and treatment need more consideration. Though current therapeutics result in desirable outcomes, they do not offer an inclusive solution for development of visual impairment to blindness. Accordingly, stem cells, because of their particular competencies, have gained extensive attention for application in regenerative medicine of ocular diseases. In the last decades, a wide spectrum of stem cells surrounding mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC), neural stem cells (NSCs), and embryonic/induced pluripotent stem cells (ESCs/iPSCs) accompanied by Müller glia, ciliary epithelia-derived stem cells, and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) stem cells have been widely investigated to report their safety and efficacy in preclinical models and also human subjects. In this regard, in the first interventions, RPE cell suspensions were successfully utilized to ameliorate visual defects of the patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) after subretinal transplantation. Herein, we will explain the pathogenesis of ocular diseases and highlight the novel discoveries and recent findings in the context of stem cell-based therapies in these disorders, focusing on the in vivo reports published during the last decade.


Eye ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukharram M. Bikbov ◽  
Timur R. Gilmanshin ◽  
Rinat M. Zainullin ◽  
Ellina M. Rakhimova ◽  
Iuliia A. Rusakova ◽  
...  

Abstract Background To assess potential associations between the ankle-brachial blood pressure index (ABI) and ocular disorders. Methods In the population-based cross-sectional Russian Ural Eye and Medical Study including 5,899 (80.5%) out of 7328 eligible participants aged 40+ years, the participants underwent a series of ocular and medical examinations including measurement of ABI. Results Blood pressure measurements of both arms and ankles were available for 3187 (54.0%) individuals. The mean ABI was 1.26 ± 0.19 (median:1.20; range: 0.61, 2.20). In multivariate analysis, a higher ABI was associated with younger age (P < 0.001; non-standardized regression coefficient B: −0.001; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.002, −0.001), female sex (P < 0.001; B: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.04), lower body mass index (P < 0.001; B: −0.004; 95% CI: −0.006, −0.003), lower waist-to-hip ratio (P = 0.01; B: −0.10; 95% CI: −0.17, −0.02), lower glucose serum concentration (P = 0.008; B: −0.005; 95% CI: −0.009, −0.001), lower prevalence of arterial hypertension (P < 0.001; B: −0.14; 95% CI: −0.16, −0.12), higher mean systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001; B: 0.003; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.003), and higher prevalence of any alcohol consumption (P < 0.001; B: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.04). In that multivariate model, prevalence of glaucoma (P = 0.67) as a whole, open-angle glaucoma (P = 0.86) and angle-closure glaucoma (P = 0.54), stage of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (P = 0.57), prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (P = 0.88), prevalence and stage of diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.30, and P = 0.29, respectively), nuclear cataract (P = 0.32, and P = 0.41, resp.), cortical cataract (P = 0.33, and P = 0.92, resp.), subcapsular cataract (P = 0.74 and P = 0.60, resp.), and pseudoexfoliation (P = 0.44 and P = 0.47, resp.), intraocular pressure (P = 0.52), axial length (P = 0.20), and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (P = 0.55) were not significantly associated with the ABI. Conclusions In this ethnically mixed population from Russia, none of the major ocular diseases was associated with ABI suggesting that subclinical atherosclerosis is not markedly associated with the aetiology of these ocular disorders.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (40) ◽  
pp. 4726-4741 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orathai Tangvarasittichai ◽  
Surapon Tangvarasittichai

Background: Oxidative stress is caused by free radicals or oxidant productions, including lipid peroxidation, protein modification, DNA damage and apoptosis or cell death and results in cellular degeneration and neurodegeneration from damage to macromolecules. Results: Accumulation of the DNA damage (8HOdG) products and the end products of LPO (including aldehyde, diene, triene conjugates and Schiff’s bases) were noted in the research studies. Significantly higher levels of these products in comparison with the controls were observed. Oxidative stress induced changes to ocular cells and tissues. Typical changes include ECM accumulation, cell dysfunction, cell death, advanced senescence, disarrangement or rearrangement of the cytoskeleton and released inflammatory cytokines. It is involved in ocular diseases, including keratoconus, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, and granular corneal dystrophy type 2, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, primary open-angle glaucoma, retinal light damage, and retinopathy of prematurity. These ocular diseases are the cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Conclusions: Oxidative stress, inflammation and autophagy are implicated in biochemical and morphological changes in these ocular tissues. The development of therapy is a major target for the management care of these ocular diseases.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2441
Author(s):  
Drake W. Lem ◽  
Dennis L. Gierhart ◽  
Pinakin Gunvant Davey

Diabetic retinopathy, which was primarily regarded as a microvascular disease, is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. With obesity at epidemic proportions, diabetes-related ocular problems are exponentially increasing in the developed world. Oxidative stress due to hyperglycemic states and its associated inflammation is one of the pathological mechanisms which leads to depletion of endogenous antioxidants in retina in a diabetic patient. This contributes to a cascade of events that finally leads to retinal neurodegeneration and irreversible vision loss. The xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin are known to promote retinal health, improve visual function in retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration that has oxidative damage central in its etiopathogenesis. Thus, it can be hypothesized that dietary supplements with xanthophylls that are potent antioxidants may regenerate the compromised antioxidant capacity as a consequence of the diabetic state, therefore ultimately promoting retinal health and visual improvement. We performed a comprehensive literature review of the National Library of Medicine and Web of Science databases, resulting in 341 publications meeting search criteria, of which, 18 were found eligible for inclusion in this review. Lutein and zeaxanthin demonstrated significant protection against capillary cell degeneration and hyperglycemia-induced changes in retinal vasculature. Observational studies indicate that depletion of xanthophyll carotenoids in the macula may represent a novel feature of DR, specifically in patients with type 2 or poorly managed type 1 diabetes. Meanwhile, early interventional trials with dietary carotenoid supplementation show promise in improving their levels in serum and macular pigments concomitant with benefits in visual performance. These findings provide a strong molecular basis and a line of evidence that suggests carotenoid vitamin therapy may offer enhanced neuroprotective effects with therapeutic potential to function as an adjunct nutraceutical strategy for management of diabetic retinopathy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 244 (6) ◽  
pp. 419-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam D Baim ◽  
Asadolah Movahedan ◽  
Asim V Farooq ◽  
Dimitra Skondra

Progress in microbiome research has accelerated in recent years. Through the use of 16S rRNA assays and other genomic sequencing techniques, researchers have provided new insights about the communities of microorganisms that inhabit human and animal hosts. There is mounting evidence about the importance of these ‘microbiotas’ in a wide variety of disease states, suggesting potential targets for preventative and therapeutic interventions. Until recently, however, the microbiome received relatively little attention in ophthalmology. This review explores emerging research on the roles that ocular and extraocular microbiotas may play in the pathogenesis and treatment of ophthalmic diseases. These include diseases of the ocular surface as well as autoimmune uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, and primary open angle glaucoma. Many questions remain about the potential impacts of microbiome research on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ophthalmic disease. In light of current findings, we suggest directions for future study as this exciting area of research continues to expand. Impact statement This review describes a growing body of research on relationships between the microbiome and eye disease. Several groups have investigated the microbiota of the ocular surface; dysregulation of this delicate ecosystem has been associated with a variety of pro-inflammatory states. Other research has explored the effects of the gastrointestinal microbiota on ophthalmic diseases. Characterizing the ways these microbiotas influence ophthalmic homeostasis and pathogenesis may lead to research on new techniques for managing ophthalmic disease.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangeeta Satish ◽  
Hannah Philipose ◽  
Mariana Aparecida Brunini Rosales ◽  
Magali Saint-Geniez

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction due to accumulation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage is a key event in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Here, we examine the therapeutic potential of ZLN005, a selective PGC-1α transcriptional regulator, in protecting RPE from cytotoxic oxidative damage. Gene expression analysis on ARPE-19 cells treated with ZLN005 shows robust upregulation of PGC-1α and its associated transcription factors, antioxidant enzymes, and mitochondrial genes. Energetic profiling shows that ZLN005 treatment enhances RPE mitochondrial function by increasing basal and maximal respiration rates, and spare respiratory capacity. In addition, ZLN005 robustly protects ARPE-19 cells from cell death caused by H2O2, ox-LDL, and NaIO3 without exhibiting any cytotoxicity under basal conditions. ZLN005 protection against H2O2-mediated cell death was lost in PGC-1α-silenced cells. Our data indicates that ZLN005 efficiently protects RPE cells from oxidative damage through selective induction of PGC-1α and its target antioxidant enzymes. ZLN005 may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for retinal diseases associated with RPE dystrophies.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanting Shu ◽  
Joshua Dunaief

Iron is essential for life, while excess iron can be toxic. Iron generates hydroxyl radical, which is the most reactive free radical, causing oxidative stress. Since iron is absorbed through the diet but not excreted from the body, it accumulates with age in tissues, including the retina, consequently leading to age-related toxicity. This accumulation is further promoted by inflammation. Hereditary diseases such as aceruloplasminemia, Friedreich’s ataxia, pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration, and posterior column ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa involve retinal degeneration associated with iron dysregulation. In addition to hereditary causes, dietary or parenteral iron supplementation has been recently reported to elevate iron levels in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and promote retinal degeneration. Ocular siderosis from intraocular foreign bodies or subretinal hemorrhage can also lead to retinopathy. Evidence from mice and humans suggests that iron toxicity may contribute to age-related macular degeneration pathogenesis. Iron chelators can protect photoreceptors and RPE in various mouse models. The therapeutic potential for iron chelators is under investigation.


Oncotarget ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 8532-8545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed S. Ibrahim ◽  
Suchreet Mander ◽  
Khaled A. Hussein ◽  
Nehal M. Elsherbiny ◽  
Sylvia B. Smith ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 2886
Author(s):  
A. O. Direev ◽  
I. V. Munts ◽  
E. S. Mazurenko ◽  
M. Yu. Shapkina ◽  
A. N. Ryabikov ◽  
...  

Aim. To study associations of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes (T2D) with ophthalmic diseases in a population sample of men and women from middle to old age (Novosibirsk).Material and methods. The population cohort was initially studied in 2003-2005 (n=9360, 45-69 years old, Novosibirsk, the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE) project). At the second survey (2015-2017) in a random subsample (n=1011), the following ophthalmic diseases were identified: hypertensive retinopathy (HR), diabetic retinopathy (DR), cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), optic disc abnormalities, etc.Results. The prevalence of HR signs in persons with and without hypertension (HTN) was 81 and 46%, respectively (p<0,001). This association persisted regardless of other factors (odds ratio, 2,27 (95% confidence interval: 1,78-4,17). The prevalence of AMD, cataract and DR increased in HTN, but associations were largely explained by metabolic factors in multivariate models. People with T2D more often than without T2D had signs of DR (9,3 vs 0,4%, p<0,001), AMD (22 vs 17%, p=0,042) and glaucoma (14 vs 7%, p=0,001). Associations of T2D with DR and glaucoma persisted regardless of other factors. Individuals with carotid atherosclerosis (CA) were 1,6 times more likely to have HR than those without CA when adjusted for sex, age, and smoking (p=0,013).Conclusion. In the surveyed population sample of mainly elderly people, a number of associations between cardiometabolic and common ophthalmic diseases were revealed. The identified comorbidities may have important therapeutic and prophylactic applications in an aging population.


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