Effect of an oral supplementation with a formula containing R-lipoic acid in glaucoma patients

Abstract Objective To analyse the safety and effectiveness of the oral administration of a commercialised supplement containing R-alpha lipoic acid (ALA), taurine, vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, copper and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), and in control subjects. Material and methods A prospective study of cases and controls was carried out, including 30 participants of both genders that were divided into: POAG Group (n = 15) and a control group (CG; n = 15), assigned to the oral intake of NuaDHA preparations Vision® (1 pill/day) + NuaDHA 1000 (2 pills/day) for 6 months. Participants were interviewed, ophthalmologically examined, …

New horizons for the treatment of glaucoma. I: Neuroinflammation and inflammasomes

Antioxidant supplementation in diabetic retinopathy

Conventional treatments for diabetic retinopathy (DR) include glycaemic control, laser photocoagulation, vitrectomy, intravitreal triamcinolone, and intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor agents. However, these strategies have not been proven capable of halting the progression of this disease in all cases. The mechanisms leading to DR are not fully understood, but there is a growing body of evidence showing that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the development of this diabetic complications. Indeed, it has been proposed that oxidative stress is the initial and maintaining event that triggers and provides feedback to the other pathophysiological pathways related to DR. T…

Computational Analysis of Clinical and Molecular Markers and New Theranostic Possibilities in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a paramount cause of irreversible visual disability worldwide. We focus on identifying clinical and molecular facts that may help elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease. By using ophthalmological approaches (biomicroscopy, ocular fundus, optical coherence tomography, and perimetry) and experimental tests (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and Western blot/immunoblotting) directed to evaluate the oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and neurodegeneration processes, we gather information to build a network of data to perform a computational bioinformatics analysis. Our results sho…

Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) on Bilirubin Concentrations in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: Sex-Specific GWAS Analysis and Gene-Diet Interactions in a Mediterranean Population

Although, for decades, increased serum bilirubin concentrations were considered a threatening sign of underlying liver disease and had been associated with neonatal jaundice, data from recent years show that bilirubin is a powerful antioxidant and suggest that slightly increased serum bilirubin concentrations are protective against oxidative stress-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, a better understanding of the gene-diet interactions in determining serum bilirubin concentrations is needed. None of the previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on bilirubin concentrations has been stratified by sex. Therefore, considering the increasing interest in incorporat…

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial failure in the pathogenesis of glaucoma neurodegeneration

This review focuses on oxidative stress and mitochondrial failure for understanding mechanisms of optic nerve damage in primary open-angle glaucoma. The chapter shows scientific evidence for the role of mitochondrial disbalance and reactive oxygen species in glaucoma neurodegeneration. Mitochondria regulate important cellular functions including reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis. Mitochondrial alterations result from a wide variety of damaging sources. Reactive oxygen species formed by the mitochondria can act as signaling molecules, inducing lipid peroxidation and/or excitotoxicity with the result of cell lesion and death. Antioxidants may help to counteract oxidative stress…

SLC23A2 Gene Variation, Vitamin C Levels, and Glaucoma

Abstract Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a multifactorial disease in which both genetic and environmental factors are involved. Among the environmental factors associated with POAG, nutritional factors are particularly important since nutrition is essential for maintaining good health. Researchers can study the interactions between nutrition and genes by means of nutritional genomics, but nutrigenomics studies regarding eye diseases are very scarce. This research group recently published one of the first studies on nutrigenomics in POAG. It was found that the rs1279683 polymorphism in the SLC23A2 gene, which encodes a vitamin C transporter, is associated with a higher risk of POAG. Si…

Sistemas genéticos para un nuevo abordaje del riesgo de progresión de la retinopatía diabética

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar el riesgo de progresion de la retinopatia diabetica (RD) utilizando nuevas estrategias para obtener informacion genetica en diabeticos tipo 2 (DT2) basadas en interferencia por acido ribonucleico (ARN). Material y metodos Estudio multicentrico, prospectivo de casos-controles en 132 participantes divididos en: grupo DT2 (GDT2) con RD (+RD) y sin RD (−RD) (n = 77) y grupo control (GC) (n = 55). Tras entrevista personal y examen oftalmologico, se extrajeron lagrimas para analisis molecular (expresion de micro-ARN [miARN] [miRCURY™ ARN Isolation Kit, Qiagen]). En 18 muestras (GDT2+RD = 6; GDT2–RD = 6; GC = 6) obtuvimos librerias de 137 vs. 140 pares de bases (GeneMapper…

Efficacy and safety study of an eyelid gel after repeated nocturnal application in healthy contact lens users and non-users

Purpose: To evaluate skin biocompatibility of a nighttime hydrating eyelid gel and possible ocular surface effects in contact lens users (CLU) and non-contact lens users (NCLU). The formulation is registered as a medical device as Tridocosahexaenoine-AOX® (TDHA-AOX) (a concentrated DHA triglyceride), containing also hyaluronic acid (HA). Methods: A prospective, randomized, masked clinical trial was performed with 62 participants of both sexes, aged 20–70 years, split into: (1) CLU (n = 30) and (2) NCLU (n = 32). All participants were instructed to apply a single dose of the moisturizing gel (containing TDHA-AOX and HA) nightly to the upper and inner eyelids of their right eye (RE) only, and…

Oxidative stress and its downstream signaling in aging eyes

María Dolores Pinazo-Durán,1,* Roberto Gallego-Pinazo,2,* Jose Javier García-Medina,1,3,* Vicente Zanón-Moreno,1,4 Carlo Nucci,5 Rosa Dolz-Marco,2 Sebastián Martínez-Castillo,2 Carmen Galbis-Estrada,1 Carla Marco-Ramírez,1 Maria Isabel López-Gálvez,6,* David J Galarreta,6,* Manuel Díaz-Llópis4,*1Ophthalmic Research Unit "Santiago Grisolía", Valencia, Spain; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Macula Section, The University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain; 3Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Reina Sofia, Murcia, Spain; 4Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain; 5Uni…

Does Posterior Capsule Opacification Affect the Results of Diagnostic Technologies to Evaluate the Retina and the Optic Disc?

The visual outcome obtained after cataract removal may progressively decline because of posterior capsular opacification (PCO). This condition can be treated by creating an opening in the posterior lens capsule by Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. PCO optical imperfections cause several light reflection, refraction, and diffraction phenomena, which may interfere with the functional and structural tests performed in different ocular locations for the diagnosis and follow-up of ocular disease, like macular and optic nerve diseases. Some parameters measured by visual field examinations, scanning laser polarimetry, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have changed after PCO removal. Imaging quality a…

Enhanced Oxidative Stress and Other Potential Biomarkers for Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetics: Beneficial Effects of the Nutraceutic Supplements

We have studied the global risk of retinopathy in a Mediterranean population of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, according to clinical, biochemical, and lifestyle biomarkers. The effects of the oral supplementation containing antioxidants/omega 3 fatty acids (A/ω3) were also evaluated. Suitable participants were distributed into two main groups: (1) T2DMG (with retinopathy (+DR) or without retinopathy (−DR)) and (2) controls (CG). Participants were randomly assigned (+A/ω3) or not (−A/ω3) to the oral supplementation with a daily pill of Nutrof Omega (R) for 18 months. Data collected including demographics, anthropometrics, characteristics/lifestyle, ophthalmic examination (best cor…

A Multi-Locus Genetic Risk Score for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) Variants Is Associated with POAG Risk in a Mediterranean Population: Inverse Correlations with Plasma Vitamin C and E Concentrations

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The genetics of POAG are complex, and population-specific effects have been reported. Although many polymorphisms associated with POAG risk have been reported, few studies have analyzed their additive effects. We investigated, in a southern European Mediterranean population, the association between relevant POAG polymorphisms, identified by initial genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and POAG risk, both separately and as an aggregated multi-locus genetic risk score (GRS). Also, bearing in mind that oxidative stress is a factor increasingly recognized in the pathogenesis of POAG, we analyzed the potential assoc…

Antioxidant Supplements and Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract Conventional treatments for diabetic retinopathy (DR) includes glycemic control, laser photocoagulation, vitrectomy, intravitreal triamcinolone, and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents. However these strategies have not proved capable of halting the progression of this disease in all cases. The mechanisms leading to DR are not fully understood, but there is a growing body of evidence showing that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the development of this diabetic complication. In fact it has been proposed that oxidative stress is the initial and maintaining event that triggers and provides feedback to the other pathophysiological pathways related to DR…

Genetic polymorphism related to exfoliative glaucoma is also associated with primary open-angle glaucoma risk

Background To investigate the possible association of the rs2165241 polymorphism (C > T) in LOXL1 gene with the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma in a Mediterranean population. Methods The analysis of genetic polymorphisms was performed by standard TaqMan allelic discrimination technique, using a 7900HT Sequence Detection System (Applied Biosystems). Results In a recessive genetic model, the T allele of the rs2165241 polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (TT vs. CC: odds ratios = 2.19, 95% confidence interval = [1.33–3.62]). After multivariate logistic regression model adjusted by age and weight, the magnitude of the association decreased b…

PGC-1α signaling coordinates susceptibility to metabolic and oxidative injury in the inner retina.

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), used as a common model of central nervous system injury, are particularly vulnerable to metabolic and oxidative damage. However, molecular mechanisms underlying this sensitivity have not been determined in vivo . PGC-1α (encoded by PPARGC1A ) regulates adaptive metabolism and oxidative stress responses in a tissue- and cell-specific manner. Aberrant PGC-1α signaling is implicated in neurodegeneration, but the mechanism underlying its role in central nervous system injury remains unclear. We provide evidence from a mouse model that PGC-1α expression and activity are induced in adult retina in response to metabolic and oxidative challenge. Deletion of Ppargc1a d…

Hypotensive eyedrops: The neverending story. Should we consider more than active principles?

Cytokine expression in tears of patients with glaucoma or dry eye disease: A prospective, observational cohort study.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the expression of cytokines/chemokines in tears from patients with non-advanced primary open-angle glaucoma and patients with non-severe dry eye disease versus healthy controls. Methods: This prospective, observational cohort study enrolled patients with confirmed or suspected non-advanced primary open-angle glaucoma who received any prostaglandin analogue monotherapy for longer than 6 months, patients with non-severe dry eye disease, and healthy controls. Expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-2, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, and interleukin-12; tumor necrosis factor α; vascular endothelial gro…

Glaucoma and Antioxidants: Review and Update

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by the progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. Oxidative stress has been related to the cell death in this disease. Theoretically, this deleterious consequence can be reduced by antioxidants substances. The aim of this review is to assemble the studies published in relation to antioxidant supplementation and its effects on glaucoma and to offer the reader an update on this field. With this purpose, we have included studies in animal models of glaucoma and clinical trials. Although there are variable results, supplementation with antioxidants in glaucoma may be a promising therapy in glaucoma.

Implicaciones de los ácidos grasos en la salud ocular

miRNAs and Genes Involved in the Interplay between Ocular Hypertension and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis Networks

Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la siguiente URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/11/2227 En esta investigación también participan: Mar Valero Vello, Silvia M. Sanz González, José E. O'Connor, David Galarreta Mira, María D. Pinazo-Durán y Vicente Zanón Moreno. Este artículo pertenece al número especial "Recent Clinical Research on Glaucoma". Glaucoma has no cure and is a sight-threatening neurodegenerative disease affecting more than 100 million people worldwide, with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) being the most globally prevalent glaucoma clinical type. Regulation of gene expression and gene networks, and its multifactorial pathways involved in glaucoma disease are landmark…

DNA methylomes reveal biological networks involved in human eye development, functions and associated disorders

This work provides a comprehensive CpG methylation landscape of the different layers of the human eye that unveils the gene networks associated with their biological functions and how these are disrupted in common visual disorders. Herein, we firstly determined the role of CpG methylation in the regulation of ocular tissue-specification and described hypermethylation of retinal transcription factors (i.e., PAX6, RAX, SIX6) in a tissue-dependent manner. Second, we have characterized the DNA methylome of visual disorders linked to internal and external environmental factors. Main conclusions allow certifying that crucial pathways related to Wnt-MAPK signaling pathways or neuroinflammation are…

Identificación de nuevos genes candidatos para la retinopatía en diabéticos tipo 2. Estudio Valencia sobre Retinopatía Diabética (EVRD). Informe n.° 3

Resumen Objetivo Identificar genes implicados en los mecanismos patogenicos de la retinopatia diabetica no proliferante, como estres oxidativo, alteracion de la matriz extracelular y/o apoptosis, para valorar el riesgo de desarrollo de la misma en una poblacion de diabeticos tipo 2 (DM2). Material y metodos Estudio de casos y controles en 81 participantes del Estudio Valencia sobre Retinopatia Diabetica (EVRD), de ambos sexos y con edades comprendidas entre los 25 y 85 anos, clasificados en: 1) grupo DM2 (n = 49), con RD (+RD; n = 14) y sin RD (−RD; n = 35), y 2) grupo control (GC; n = 32). Se realizo entrevista personal, examen oftalmologico estandarizado y extraccion de sangre que se proc…

Thyroid hormone deficiency disrupts rat eye neurodevelopment

Clinical and experimental studies have highlighted the role played by thyroid hormones (TH) in neural and neuro-sensorial development. However, knowledge on TH mechanisms on the developing visual system is still incomplete. To uncover TH actions on the eyes and vision we carried out a microscopical study on the role of TH in the developing retina and optic nerve, in a rat model of controlled TH deficiency (THD). Morphometric and stereological analyses of the retina and optic nerve showed a reduction in the volume of the eye (p<0.001) and optic nerve cross-sectional area (p<0.001), and thinning of the retinal layers (p<0.001). Glial development and myelination was significantly delayed in th…

Comparison of Foveal, Macular, and Peripapillary Intraretinal Thicknesses Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Neurotypical Subjects

Purpose To compare thicknesses of intraretinal layers segmented by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurotypical (NT) individuals. Methods We performed 2 scans on 108 eyes from 54 participants (27 high-functioning ASD and 27 age- and sex-matched NT subjects): macular fast volume and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL). Macula was automatically segmented. The mean foveal and macular thickness of nine different layers and the thickness of nine pRNFL sectors were considered. Data from the right and left eyes were averaged for each participant. The results were compared between the ASD and NT groups. Associations betwee…

Severe scleral dellen as an early complication of pterygium excision with simple conjunctival closure and review of the literature

Descrevemos um paciente com "dellen" escleral agudo (SD) após excisão de pterígio com fechamento conjuntival simples. Uma revisão adicional da literatura médica sobre SD precoce após a cirurgia de pterígio também é realizada. Este caso descreve um homem de 45 anos de idade, que apresentou SD grave, sete dias após a cirurgia de pterígio com cauterização mínima de vasos episclerais e fechamento conjuntival simples. Nenhuma outra terapia adjuvante foi utilizada no intraoperatório. O paciente recusou-se à cobertura de retalho conjuntival da lesão. Portanto, o tratamento médico consistiu em pomada antibiótica, oclusão e acompanhamento diário. Após sete dias, a oclusão foi mudada para a lubrifica…

Ocular Comorbidities and the Relationship between Eye Diseases and Systemic Disorders

Patients with ocular disorders may have additional ophthalmic problems that can have an impact on both morbidity and vision. Ocular comorbidities are commonly associated with vision-related disability and decreased quality of life related to visual impairment. The majority of studies on this topic deal with cataracts, glaucoma, uveitis, and/or retinopathies. It is important to summarize the available evidence to date on the association of one or several ocular diseases and the implications these comorbidities have on prognosis and therapy. The relationship between eye disorders and systemic diseases has recently drawn special interest. The increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative disorder…

Signature of Circulating Biomarkers in Recurrent Non-Infectious Anterior Uveitis. Immunomodulatory Effects of DHA-Triglyceride. A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to identify circulating biomarkers of recurrent non-infectious anterior uveitis (NIAU), and to address the anti-inflammatory effects of triglyceride containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA-TG). A prospective multicenter study was conducted in 72 participants distributed into: patients diagnosed with recurrent NIAU in the quiescence stage (uveitis group (UG)

What to eat and drink in glaucoma? Evidence from human studies

Dietary Marine ω-3 Fatty Acids and Incident Sight-Threatening Retinopathy in Middle-Aged and Older Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Prospective Investigation From the PREDIMED Trial

IMPORTANCE: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a devastating complication of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The retina is rich in long-chain ω−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCω3PUFAs), which are substrate for oxylipins with anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties. Experimental models support dietary LCω3PUFA protection against DR, but clinical data are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether LCω3PUFA intake relates to a decreased incidence of sight-threatening DR in individuals with type 2 diabetes older than 55 years. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In late 2015, we conceived a prospective study within the randomized clinical trial Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea (PRED…

Does Posterior Capsule Opacification Affect the Results of Diagnostic Technologies to Evaluate the Retina and the Optic Disc?

The visual outcome obtained after cataract removal may progressively decline because of posterior capsular opacification (PCO). This condition can be treated by creating an opening in the posterior lens capsule by Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. PCO optical imperfections cause several light reflection, refraction, and diffraction phenomena, which may interfere with the functional and structural tests performed in different ocular locations for the diagnosis and follow-up of ocular disease, like macular and optic nerve diseases. Some parameters measured by visual field examinations, scanning laser polarimetry, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have changed after PCO removal. Imaging quality a…

Identification of new candidate genes for retinopathy in type 2 diabetics. Valencia Study on Diabetic Retinopathy (VSDR). Report number 3

Abstract Objective To identify genes involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), among which include oxidative stress, extracellular matrix changes, and/or apoptosis, in order to evaluate the risk of developing this retinal disease in a type 2 diabetic (DM2) population. Material and methods A case–control study was carried out on 81 participants from the Valencia Study on Diabetic Retinopathy (VSDR) of both genders, with ages 25–85 years. They were classified into: (i) DM2 group (n = 49), with DR (+DR; n = 14) and without DR (−DR; n = 35), and (ii) control group (GC; n = 32). The protocols included a personal interview, standardized ophthalmologic…

Strategies to Reduce Oxidative Stress in Glaucoma Patients

Background Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a multifactorial pathology involving a variety of pathogenic mechanisms, including oxidative/nitrosative stress. This latter is the consequence of the imbalance between excessive formation and insufficient protection against reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. Objective Our main goal is to gather molecular information to better managing pathologic variants that may determine the individual susceptibility to oxidative/nitrosative stress (OS/NS) and POAG. Method An extensive search of the scientific literature was conducted using PUBMED, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and other references on the topic of POAG and OS/NS from human and a…

Oxidative stress in diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of acquired blindness in working adults worldwide. Biochemical changes in DR contribute to both the microscopic structural and functional changes in the retina. All these alterations result in retinal damage that can be assessed by funduscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and angioOCT. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction in the mitochondria is considered a causal link between elevated glucose and biochemical abnormalities in the pathophysiology of DR. Moreover, oxidative-induced pathways also seem to provide positive feedback to ROS production, resulting in a vicious cycle. ROS can directly damage lipids, proteins, and DNA, lead…

Biomarkers of lipid peroxidation in the aqueous humor of primary open-angle glaucoma patients

Objective To investigate the lipid peroxidation (PEROX) processes in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients, and whether this mechanism may be related to disease progression. Material and methods A prospective, observational, cross-sectional, non-experimental, and analytical study was conducted on a case and a comparison group, consisting of 175 surgical patients divided into: (1) POAG group (GG; n = 88) and (2) comparison group of patients with cataracts (CG; n = 87). Demographic data, patient characteristics, lifestyle data, as well as ophthalmological examination were registered in an Excel spreadsheet. Biochemical data were obtained by processing the aqueous humor collected at the …

Unilateral and irreversible optic neuropathy associated to infliximab treatment: 3-year follow-up.

Sir,We have recently read with interest the article by Clemmensen et al. [1] We presented a similar case [2] and we followed it up for more than 3 years. A 54-year-old female presented sudden-onset...

Coroideremia: seguimiento durante un año con polarimetría láser

espanolCaso clinico: Presentamos el seguimiento de un caso de coroideremia que fue sometido a tres campos visuales automatizados blanco-blanco y tres polarimetrias laser (PL) con GDx VCC en el transcurso de un ano. Se encontro un deterioro perimetrico en indices y escotomas. En concordancia, los parametros de retardo de la capa de fibras nerviosas de la retina y los mapas cambiaron en un analisis serial avanzado con GDx VCC en los dos ojos. Discusion: El analisis con GDx VCC puede ser un metodo objetivo y cuantitativo para evaluar la progresion de las distrofias coriorretinianas como la coroideremia. EnglishCase report: We report the follow-up of a case of choroideremia who underwent three …

Clinical and Molecular-Genetic Insights into the Role of Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Retinopathy: Antioxidant Strategies and Future Avenues

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and ROS-signaling pathways activation attack the eyes. We evaluated the oxidative stress (OS) and the effects of a daily, core nutritional supplement regimen containing antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids (A/ω3) in type 2 diabetics (T2DM). A case-control study was carried out in 480 participants [287 T2DM patients with (+)/without (−) diabetic retinopathy (DR) and 193 healthy controls (CG)], randomly assigned to a daily pill of A/ω3. Periodic evaluation through 38 months allowed to outline patient characteristics, DR features, and classic/OS blood parameters. Statistics were performed by the SPSS 24.0 program. Diabetics displayed significantly h…

Evaluation of presumptive biomarkers of oxidative stress, immune response and apoptosis in primary open-angle glaucoma.

There is growing interest on the correlation among oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and primary open-angle glaucoma initiation and progression. Reactive oxygen species are formed in the eyes following a wide variety of stressors, and are largely implicated in glaucoma pathogenesis. Immune-inflammatory response mediators have recently become a target of ophthalmologic concern, including glaucoma. Much attention has been derived to the role of specific pro and anti-apoptotic molecules in glaucoma. This article reviews the early evidence suggesting that reactive oxygen species, immune inflammatory response mediators, and apoptogenic molecules are engaged in glaucoma disease. Moreover,…

Combined pre- and postnatal ethanol exposure in rats disturbs the myelination of optic axons.

Aims: To analyse myelination and outgrowth of the optic axons in relation to the neuro-ophthalmological manifestations of ethanol (EtOH) abuse during pregnancy. Methods: An experimental model of chronic EtOH exposure was developed in rats and their offspring by subjecting the dams to a liquid diet (35% of the daily total calories as either EtOH or maltose-dextrose nutritional controls (Con). Eyeballs and optic nerves were obtained at key developmental stages and processed for morphologic, immunocytochemical and immunoblotting procedures, using alternatively antibodies against myelin basic protein (MBP) or neurofilament (NF) protein, and image analysing. Results: A significant delay in onset…

¿Qué comer y qué beber en el glaucoma? Evidencias a partir de estudios en humanos

Diabetic Retinopathy and Oxidative Stress

Abstract Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of acquired blindness in working age adults worldwide. Biochemical changes in DR contribute to both the microscopic structural and functional changes in the retina. All these alterations result in macroscopic retinal damage that can be assessed by funduscopy. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria is considered a causal link between elevated glucose and biochemical abnormalities in the pathophysiology of DR. Moreover, oxidatively induced pathways also seem to provide positive feedback to ROS production, resulting in a vicious cycle. ROS can directly damage lipids, proteins and DNA, leading to cell death…

A Guide to Applying the Sex-Gender Perspective to Nutritional Genomics

Precision nutrition aims to make dietary recommendations of a more personalized nature possible, to optimize the prevention or delay of a disease and to improve health. Therefore, the characteristics (including sex) of an individual have to be taken into account as well as a series of omics markers. The results of nutritional genomics studies are crucial to generate the evidence needed so that precision nutrition can be applied. Although sex is one of the fundamental variables for making recommendations, at present, the nutritional genomics studies undertaken have not analyzed, systematically and with a gender perspective, the heterogeneity/homogeneity in gene-diet interactions on the diffe…

Eclectic Ocular Comorbidities and Systemic Diseases with Eye Involvement: A Review.

Coexistence of several ocular diseases is more frequent than suspected. In spite of the refractive errors, one or more of the following can be detected simultaneously: glaucoma, cataracts, uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, and dry eyes. In addition, as people age, ocular comorbidities are much more usually seen. Specific diseases are openly acknowledged to affect the eyes and vision, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension blood pressure, arthritis, hyperthyroidism, neurodegenerative disorders, hematologic malignancies, and/or systemic infections. Recent advances in early diagnosis and therapy of the ophthalmic pathologies have reinforced patient options to prevent visual impairmen…

Micro-RNA regulation of the angiogenic response in the diabetic retina

Regulación por micro RNA de la respuesta angiogénica en la retina diabética

MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers of eye diseases

Searching for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potential of natural food and nutritional supplements for ocular health in the mediterranean population.

Adherence to a healthy diet offers a valuable intervention to compete against the increasing cases of ocular diseases worldwide, such as dry eye disorders, myopia progression, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or age macular degeneration. Certain amounts of micronutrients must be daily provided for proper functioning of the visual system, such as vitamins, carotenoids, trace metals and omega-3 fatty acids. Among natural foods, the following have to be considered for boosting eye/vision health: fish, meat, eggs, nuts, legumes, citrus fruits, nuts, leafy green vegetables, orange-colored fruits/vegetables, olives-olive oil, and dairy products. Nutritional supplements have received muc…

Update on the Effects of Antioxidants on Diabetic Retinopathy: In Vitro Experiments, Animal Studies and Clinical Trials

Current therapies for diabetic retinopathy (DR) incorporate blood glucose and blood pressure control, vitrectomy, photocoagulation, and intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors or corticosteroids. Nonetheless, these techniques have not been demonstrated to completely stop the evolution of this disorder. The pathophysiology of DR is not fully known, but there is more and more evidence indicating that oxidative stress is an important mechanism in the progression of DR. In this sense, antioxidants have been suggested as a possible therapy to reduce the complications of DR. In this review we aim to assemble updated information in relation to in vitro experiments, anim…

A two-year follow-up of oral antioxidant supplementation in primary open-angle glaucoma: an open-label, randomized, controlled trial

Purpose To evaluate the effect of oral antioxidant supplementation (OAS) on primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) over a 2-year follow-up period. Patients and methods In this open-label, randomized controlled trial, 117 eyes of 117 patients with mild or moderate POAG and intraocular pressure under control with topical antiglaucoma medications were recruited and randomly divided into three groups according to supplementation: (1) OAS with (ICAPS R® – Alcon Laboratories, n = 26); (2) OAS without ω-3 fatty acids (OFTAN MACULA® – Laboratorios Esteve, n = 28); and (3) a control group without OAS (n = 63). They all underwent visual field (VF) tests (Humphrey 24-2) and scans using a Fourier-domain op…

The role of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of glaucoma neurodegeneration

The chapter is a review enclosed in the volume "Glaucoma: A pancitopatia of the retina and beyond." No cure exists for glaucoma. Knowledge on the molecular and cellular alterations underlying glaucoma neurodegeneration (GL-ND) includes innovative and path-breaking research on neuroinflammation and neuroprotection. A series of events involving immune response (IR), oxidative stress and gene expression are occurring during the glaucoma course. Uveitic glaucoma (UG) is a prevalent acute/chronic complication, in the setting of chronic anterior chamber inflammation. Managing the disease requires a team approach to guarantee better results for eyes and vision. Advances in biomedicine/biotechnolog…

Implicaciones del óxido nítrico y otras moléculas con potencial redox en el glaucoma primario de ángulo abierto

espanolObjetivos: El oxido nitrico (ON) y otras moleculas con potencial red-ox estan relacionados con mecanismos de transmision de senales, incluyendo la regulacion de la permeabilidad vascular y la homeostasis. Nos proponemos investigar la presencia de ON y de especies reactivas del oxigeno (EROx) en el humor acuoso y su relacion con los mecanismos patogenicos del glaucoma primario de angulo abierto (GPAA). Metodos: Se ha analizado bioquimicamente el humor acuoso, que fue extraido al comienzo de la cirugia de segmento anterior, de dos grupos de individuos: 1) pacientes programados para trabeculectomia de Watson, por empeoramiento de los parametros de riesgo del glaucoma (GG; n=60) y 2) gru…

Efecto de la suplementación oral con una fórmula que contiene ácido R-lipoico en pacientes con glaucoma

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la seguridad y efectividad de la administracion oral de un suplemento comercializado que contiene acido alfa-R-lipoico, taurina, vitaminas C y E, luteina, zeaxantina, zinc, cobre y acido docosahexaenoico en pacientes con glaucoma primario de angulo abierto (GPAA) y sujetos control. Material y metodos Se realizo un estudio prospectivo de casos y controles que incluyo 30 participantes de ambos sexos, divididos en: pacientes con GPAA (n = 15) y sujetos sanos (GC; n = 15) asignados a tomar durante 6 meses los preparados NuaDHA Vision® (1 comp/dia) + NuaDHA 1000 (2 comps/dia). Los participantes fueron entrevistados, examinados oftalmologicamente, extrayendo sangre perif…

Glaucomatous Maculopathy: Thickness Differences on Inner and Outer Macular Layers between Ocular Hypertension and Early Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Using 8 × 8 Posterior Pole Algorithm of SD-OCT

The purpose of this study was to compare the thickness of all inner and outer macular layers between ocular hypertension (OHT) and early primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) 8 × 8 posterior pole algorithm (8 × 8 PPA). Fifty-seven eyes of 57 OHT individuals and fifty-seven eyes of 57 early POAG patients were included. The thickness of macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform and nuclear layer, photoreceptor layer (PRL) and retinal pigment epithelium were obtained in 64 cells for each macular layer and mean thickness of superior and inf…

Optic nerve hypoplasia and internal carotid artery hypoplasia: a new association

Genetic systems for a new approach to risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) using new strategies to obtain genetic information in type 2 diabetes (T2D) based on interfering ribonucleic acid (RNA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective multicentre case-control study of 132 participants was distributed into: T2D with (+DR) or without (-DR) (T2DG; n=77), and a control group (CG; n=55). After an eye examination and personal interview, tears were collected for molecular analysis (expression of microRNAs [miRNAs] (miRCURY ARN Isolation Kit, Qiagen)]. Libraries, 137 vs. 140bp (GeneMapper, Applied Biosystems), were obtained in 18 samples (T2DG+DR=6; T2DG-DR=6; CG=6) by performing next-generation sequ…

Tear &lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance-Based Metabolomics Application to the Molecular Diagnosis of Aqueous Tear Deficiency and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Purpose:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a major cause of signs and symptoms related to dry eyes (DE) and eyelid inflammation. We investigated the composition of human tears by metabolomic approaches in patients with aqueous tear deficiency and MGD. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Participants in this prospective, case-control pilot study were split into patients with aqueous tear deficiency and MGD (DE-MGD [&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 15]) and healthy controls (CG; &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 20). Personal interviews, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and ophthalmic examinations were performed. Reflex tears collected by capillarity were pr…

Genome-Wide Association Study for Serum Omega-3 and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Exploratory Analysis of the Sex-Specific Effects and Dietary Modulation in Mediterranean Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome.

Many early studies presented beneficial effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on cardiovascular risk factors and disease. However, results from recent meta-analyses indicate that this effect would be very low or nil. One of the factors that may contribute to the inconsistency of the results is that, in most studies, genetic factors have not been taken into consideration. It is known that fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene cluster in chromosome 11 is a very important determinant of plasma PUFA, and that the prevalence of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) varies greatly between populations and may constitute a bias in meta-analyses. Previous genome-wide association studies (GW…