The insidious and hidden disease has eluded researchers for many years, but a new method that uses a completely different approach could revolutionize the study of the disease.
Glaucoma, the leading cause of vision loss and blindness, particularly affects older people. This condition, which often progresses and cannot be detected by various early symptoms such as changes in intraocular pressure or changes in the optic nerve, can lead to irreversible visual impairment. Newswise writes that understanding the progression of the disease is critical because early diagnosis allows steps to be taken to slow or prevent vision loss.
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Although more than 120 genetic factors have been identified for glaucoma, they only explain less than 10% of cases. In this context, scientists are investigating metabolic profiles as potential determinants of disease. Metabolites, which are small molecules produced when nutrients or drug byproducts are broken down, may be key to identifying people at risk before vision loss occurs.
Metabolites are currently used as biomarkers in disease diagnosis and risk assessment. A common test, a comprehensive metabolic panel, measures metabolite levels in the blood. Scientists led by Luis Pascual conducted a large-scale study on the relationship between blood metabolites and glaucoma. They analyzed blood samples from healthcare workers and compared participants who developed glaucoma to those who did not.
The study found a strong correlation between glaucoma and certain lipids, such as triglycerides and diglycerides. High levels of these lipids were more common in people with established glaucoma, especially the subtype that causes early loss of central vision. This finding was also supported by data from the UK Biobank.
High triglyceride levels are already linked to diseases such as heart disease and stroke. There are treatments that can control this level, such as statin drugs. Although their effects on glaucoma are not yet clear, further research may demonstrate their potential in the treatment of certain subtypes of glaucoma.
Pascual’s research contributes to the understanding of the relationship between health and metabolism. Similar associations exist for diseases such as kidney cancer, pregnancy complications, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. The NIH Joint Fund provides the Metabolomics Workbench Metabolite Database, a comprehensive metabolomics data repository to assist researchers in this field.
These data highlight the importance of preventive measures. People who are particularly at risk or have a family history of glaucoma are recommended to undergo regular comprehensive eye examinations.
Previously Focus He wrote that color blindness has begun to be treated with gene therapy. Scientists have used gene therapy to give a small group of color blind people the ability to perceive colors for the first time, giving hope for a colorful future to hundreds of thousands of people.
Moreover Focus He wrote that, according to scientists, glasses that protect against artificial blue light are useless. Popular glasses and lenses that promise to protect our eyes from the harmful effects of the blue spectrum turned out to be completely ineffective in the short term.
Important! This article is based on, and does not conflict with, the latest scientific and medical research. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. Be sure to consult a doctor to make a diagnosis.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.