scholarly journals Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Ocular Diseases: A Narrative Review of the Existing Evidence from Clinical Studies

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebekka Heitmar ◽  
James Brown ◽  
Ioannis Kyrou
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Crocus Sativus ◽  
Ocular Diseases ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Crocus Sativus L

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its main constituents, i.e., crocin and crocetin, are natural carotenoid compounds, which have been reported to possess a wide spectrum of properties and induce pleiotropic anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and neuroprotective effects. An increasing number of experimental, animal, and human studies have investigated the effects and mechanistic pathways of these compounds in order to assess their potential therapeutic use in ocular diseases (e.g., in age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic maculopathy). This narrative review presents the key findings of published clinical studies that examined the effects of saffron and/or its constituents in the context of ocular disease, as well as an overview of the proposed underlying mechanisms mediating these effects.

Cell-based therapy for ocular disorders: A promising frontier

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milad Ahani-Nahayati ◽  
Vahid Niazi ◽  
Alireza Moradi ◽  
Bahareh Pourjabbar ◽  
Reza Roozafzoon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Retinal Pigment ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Ocular Tissue ◽  
Ocular Diseases ◽  
Cell Based Therapy ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Ocular Disorders

: 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.

scholarly journals Botanical Compounds: Effects on Major Eye Diseases

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuan-Phat Huynh ◽  
Shivani N. Mann ◽  
Nawajes A. Mandal
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Retinitis Pigmentosa ◽  
Cell Cultures ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Eye Diseases ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Ocular Diseases ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Age Related

Botanical compounds have been widely used throughout history as cures for various diseases and ailments. Many of these compounds exhibit strong antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. These are also common damaging mechanisms apparent in several ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and retinitis pigmentosa. In recent years, there have been many epidemiological and clinical studies that have demonstrated the beneficial effects of plant-derived compounds, such as curcumin, lutein and zeaxanthin, danshen, ginseng, and many more, on these ocular pathologies. Studies in cell cultures and animal models showed promising results for their uses in eye diseases. While there are many apparent significant correlations, further investigation is needed to uncover the mechanistic pathways of these botanical compounds in order to reach widespread pharmaceutical use and provide noninvasive alternatives for prevention and treatments of the major eye diseases.

scholarly journals Antioxidant Activity and Neuroprotective Role of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Supplementation in Eye Diseases That Can Lead to Blindness: A Narrative Review

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 386
Author(s):  
María Lafuente ◽  
María Elena Rodríguez González-Herrero ◽  
Stéphanie Romeo Villadóniga ◽  
Joan Carles Domingo
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Docosahexaenoic Acid ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Retinal Pigment ◽  
Eye Diseases ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Age Related

The objective of this narrative review is to provide updated evidence, based on data from experimental and clinical studies, of the prominent role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) for a number of crucial mechanisms involved in counteracting cell damage induced by oxidative stress in eye diseases. This article is focused on the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have been assessed in different experimental models and clinical studies, particularly in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma that are the most common eye diseases leading to severe vision loss. The mechanisms involved in the role of DHA in protecting human retinal pigment epithelial cells from oxidative stress as well as the interaction with glutathione (GSH) are also described. The review is intended to provide novel and salient findings supporting the rationale of the use of dietary supplementation with high-dose DHA (1050 mg/day) in the form of triglyceride as a potent antioxidant compound for improving the eye health. However, the overall clinical evidence for the use of dietary strategies based on supplementation with n-3 PUFAs in eye diseases linked to oxidative stress other than high-dose DHA triglyceride is both limited and inconsistent.

Oxidative Stress, Ocular Disease and Diabetes Retinopathy

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (40) ◽  
pp. 4726-4741 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orathai Tangvarasittichai ◽  
Surapon Tangvarasittichai
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Protein Modification ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Corneal Dystrophy ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Ocular Diseases ◽  
Retinal Light Damage ◽  
Age Related

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.

scholarly journals Bone Morphogenetic Proteins and Diabetic Retinopathy

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 593
Author(s):  
Khaled Elmasry ◽  
Samar Habib ◽  
Mohamed Moustafa ◽  
Mohamed Al-Shabrawey
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Microvascular Dysfunction ◽  
Cardiovascular Complications ◽  
Bmp Signaling ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Retinal Inflammation ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play an important role in bone formation and repair. Recent studies underscored their essential role in the normal development of several organs and vascular homeostasis in health and diseases. Elevated levels of BMPs have been linked to the development of cardiovascular complications of diabetes mellitus. However, their particular role in the pathogenesis of microvascular dysfunction associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) is still under-investigated. Accumulated evidence from our and others’ studies suggests the involvement of BMP signaling in retinal inflammation, hyperpermeability and pathological neovascularization in DR and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Therefore, targeting BMP signaling in diabetes is proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy to halt the development of microvascular dysfunction in retinal diseases, particularly in DR. The goal of this review article is to discuss the biological functions of BMPs, their underlying mechanisms and their potential role in the pathogenesis of DR in particular.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Carotenoids in the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2441
Author(s):  
Drake W. Lem ◽  
Dennis L. Gierhart ◽  
Pinakin Gunvant Davey
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Microvascular Disease ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Cell Degeneration ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Induced Changes ◽  
Dietary Carotenoid

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.

scholarly journals Inhibition of APE1/Ref-1 for Neovascular Eye Diseases: From Biology to Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (19) ◽  
pp. 10279
Author(s):  
Gabriella D. Hartman ◽  
Nathan A. Lambert-Cheatham ◽  
Mark R. Kelley ◽  
Timothy W. Corson
Keyword(s):  
Vision Loss ◽  
Eye Diseases ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Multifunctional Protein ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Transcription Factor Activation ◽  
Molecule Inhibitor ◽  
Orally Bioavailable ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and other eye diseases are characterized by retinal and/or choroidal neovascularization, ultimately causing vision loss in millions of people worldwide. nvAMD and PDR are associated with aging and the number of those affected is expected to increase as the global median age and life expectancy continue to rise. With this increase in prevalence, the development of novel, orally bioavailable therapies for neovascular eye diseases that target multiple pathways is critical, since current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments, delivered by intravitreal injection, are accompanied with tachyphylaxis, a high treatment burden and risk of complications. One potential target is apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/reduction-oxidation factor 1 (APE1/Ref-1). The multifunctional protein APE1/Ref-1 may be targeted via inhibitors of its redox-regulating transcription factor activation activity to modulate angiogenesis, inflammation, oxidative stress response and cell cycle in neovascular eye disease; these inhibitors also have neuroprotective effects in other tissues. An APE1/Ref-1 small molecule inhibitor is already in clinical trials for cancer, PDR and diabetic macular edema. Efforts to develop further inhibitors are underway. APE1/Ref-1 is a novel candidate for therapeutically targeting neovascular eye diseases and alleviating the burden associated with anti-VEGF intravitreal injections.

scholarly journals Beyond AREDS Formulations, What Is Next for Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration (iAMD) Treatment? Potential Benefits of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Apocarotenoids as Neuroprotectors

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Serge Camelo ◽  
Mathilde Latil ◽  
Stanislas Veillet ◽  
Pierre J. Dilda ◽  
René Lafont
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Pigment Epithelium ◽  
Retinal Pigment ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Crocus Sativus ◽  
Subretinal Space ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Age Related

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the commonest cause of severe visual loss and blindness in developed countries among individuals aged 60 and older. AMD slowly progresses from early AMD to intermediate AMD (iAMD) and ultimately late-stage AMD. Late AMD encompasses either neovascular AMD (nAMD) or geographic atrophy (GA). nAMD is defined by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and hemorrhage in the subretinal space at the level of the macula. This induces a rapid visual impairment caused by the death of photoreceptor cells. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies is the standard treatment of nAMD but adds to the burden of patient care. GA is characterized by slowly expanding photoreceptor, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration patches progressively leading to blindness. There is currently no therapy to cure GA. Late AMD continues to be an unmet medical need representing a major health problem with millions of patients worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are recognized as some of the main risk factors to developing late AMD. The antioxidant formulation AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Studies), contains β-carotene, which has been replaced by lutein and zeaxanthin in AREDS2, are given to patients with iAMD but have a limited effect on the incidence of nAMD and GA. Thus, to avoid or slowdown the development of late stages of AMD (nAMD or GA), new therapies targeting iAMD are needed such as crocetin obtained through hydrolysis of crocin, an important component of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), and norbixin derived from bixin extracted from Bixa orellana seeds. We have shown that these apocarotenoids preserved more effectively RPE cells against apoptosis following blue light exposure in the presence of A2E than lutein and zeaxanthin. In this review, we will discuss the potential use of apocarotenoids to slowdown the progression of iAMD, to reduce the incidence of both forms of late AMD.

scholarly journals The burden of ocular diseases in an underdeveloped village in Southwest Sumba, Eastern Indonesia, 2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ratna Sitompul ◽  
Yeni D. Lestari ◽  
Simon Siregar ◽  
Asti Ayudianingrum ◽  
Isfiyanto Isfiyanto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Initial Step ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Ocular Diseases ◽  
Eye Care ◽  
Public Health Action ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eastern Indonesia ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Age Related

Background: Prevalence estimates of ocular diseases in a given district are important to plan the programs of eye care services. This study aimed to describe the burden of ocular diseases as an initial step in improving eye care services in underdeveloped areas in Indonesia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among residents of Perobatang Village in Southwest Sumba district in July 2016. Eye examinations were conducted by ophthalmologists, and visual acuity was measured by optometrists. Participants were provided with appropriate treatment according to diagnosis. Surgical services were offered two months after the examination.Results: After eximining a total of 667 of 1,459 (46%) residents, the result showed that the most frequent ocular problems were presbyopia (30.8%), cataract (12.8%), refractive error (11.3%), and pterygium (10.7%). The proportion of myopia was 5.9%, hyperopia was 5.0%, and astigmatism was 2.2%. Moreover, the proportion of blindness was 10%. Cataract caused blindness in 44 participants. Other causes of blindness included age-related macular degeneration, retinopathy, optic atrophy, glaucoma, retinal detachment and trauma.Conclusion: The burden of ocular problems in Perobatang Village, Southwest Sumba, Eastern Indonesia was high. These findings showed the importance of public health action from local government and non-governmental organizations to improve eye care services in Southwest Sumba district.

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