Advancements in Combating Age-Related Vision Loss
In a significant step towards combating age-related vision loss, researchers from the University of California, Irvine, have explored a treatment aimed at slowing or even reversing the “aging” process in the eye, while preventing age-related diseases such as macular degeneration.
Understanding the Gene Linked to Aging
This research builds on previous work concerning the enzyme elongation of very long chain fatty acids 2 (ELOVL2), which is a known biological marker of aging. Previous studies have shown that disrupting this enzyme’s activity leads to impaired vision.
Researcher Dorota Skowronka-Krawczyk explains that enhancing ELOVL2 activity in aging mice increases levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the eye, improving vision. The goal of the new research is to achieve similar benefits without relying on this enzyme.
The Role of Fatty Acids in Vision Improvement
As we age, changes in lipid metabolism reduce the amount of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the retina, impairing vision and contributing to macular degeneration. The ELOVL2 gene plays a crucial role in the production of these fatty acids and DHA.
When aging mice were injected with a specific type of polyunsaturated fatty acid, their visual performance improved, suggesting this approach could be developed into a potential treatment. It was found that DHA alone does not achieve the same effect.
Genetic Factors and Predicting Vision Loss Risk
Researchers discovered genetic variants in the ELOVL2 enzyme that are associated with accelerated progression of macular degeneration. This discovery allows for the identification of individuals at greater risk of vision loss.
The researcher highlights the importance of the ELOVL2 enzyme as one of the key genes in aging treatment, paving the way for preventive therapies and targeted interventions.
The Impact of Lipid Metabolism on the Immune System
In collaboration with researchers from the University of California, San Diego, the role of lipid metabolism in immune system aging was explored. It was found that a deficiency in the ELOVL2 enzyme accelerates immune cell aging, suggesting that fatty acid supplements may help counteract the effects of aging on the immune system.
The researcher hopes that fatty acid supplements will enhance the immune system in addition to improving vision.
Conclusion
These discoveries indicate significant potential in the field of treating age-related vision loss, with the possibility of extending treatments to include the immune system. Future success depends on ongoing research to better understand the role of fatty acids and aging-related genes.