New Biomarkers Identified in Myopic Eye Offer Hope for Novel Treatments
A groundbreaking study has revealed a comprehensive metabolic profile of the fluid within the eye, identifying key biomarkers that could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of myopia, a condition affecting a quarter of the global population. Researchers have linked alterations in cellular metabolism and oxidative stress to the progression of nearsightedness, opening avenues for targeted therapies.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing global health concern. Currently impacting 25% of people worldwide, projections estimate that nearly half the population – 49.8% – will be affected by 2050. High myopia, in particular, carries the risk of degenerative changes in the eye that can ultimately lead to blindness.
The research, conducted by a collaborative team from the CEU UCH, the University of Valencia, Incliva, and the Institute of Retina and Ocular Diseases, focused on analyzing the aqueous humor – the clear fluid that fills the space between the lens and the cornea – in individuals with varying degrees of myopia and those without the condition. The team’s findings, published in the journal Antioxidants, demonstrate that myopia is not solely a structural issue, but is deeply intertwined with the eye’s metabolic processes.
“This study not only confirms the relationship between the progression of myopia and oxidative stress, but also suggests that it is associated with alterations in cellular metabolism that could become new therapeutic targets,” explained a lead researcher involved in the project. Previous work by the CEU UCH research group on ‘Physiopathological and protective mechanisms of ocular diseases’ (Mefiprene) had already established significant metabolic differences in the aqueous humor of patients with varying levels of myopia.
The current study expanded on this earlier research, specifically investigating the interplay between metabolites and oxidative stress in a clinical setting. Researchers analyzed samples from patients undergoing cataract surgery, encompassing individuals with no myopia, low myopia, and high myopia. Initial analysis, utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance on a cohort of 116 patients, identified 59 metabolites and 31 key differences in the aqueous humor across the study groups. Many of these metabolites were found to be directly or indirectly linked to oxidative stress.
A subsequent, more focused analysis involving 73 patients revealed significant variations in levels of glutathione – a crucial antioxidant – in both its reduced and oxidized forms. “Measuring glutathione in the aqueous humor allows us to evaluate the level of oxidative stress in the eye and confirm its relationship with the progression of myopia,” stated a professor involved in the study. Glutathione’s role in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress underscores its importance in maintaining eye health.
The complete metabolic map generated by this research identifies potential biomarkers for early detection of eye diseases and offers a foundation for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. “This is the first evidence of significant variations of glutathione in aqueous humor,” a senior investigator emphasized. “Never before has this difference been demonstrated between high myopia, low myopia and control groups, which reinforces the hypothesis that oxidative stress plays a key role in the progression of myopia.”
The research team, led by Salvador Mérida and Francisco Bosch from the CEU UCH, along with collaborators from the University of Valencia and Incliva, believes these findings represent a significant step forward in understanding and combating the growing global challenge of myopia.
