Int J Mol Sci. 2026 Mar 16;27(6):2704. doi: 10.3390/ijms27062704.
ABSTRACT
Glaucoma is a multifaceted optic neuropathy, characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells. This damage frequently continues even after intraocular pressure (IOP) has been effectively lowered. This resistance to conventional IOP-lowering therapy underscores the critical role of interacting IOP-independent mechanisms; specifically metabolic failure and systemic mitochondrial dysfunction have emerged as key parallel drivers. This review analyzes the paradigm shift from a pressure-centric model to a bioenergetic one, focusing on mitochondrial function, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) biomarkers, and oxygen consumption dynamics. We synthesize evidence demonstrating that glaucoma patients exhibit a metabolic vulnerability, characterized by lower PBMC oxygen consumption rates and depleted systemic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels relative to healthy individuals. Furthermore, compromised systemic respiratory performance correlates with more rapid worsening of visual fields and structural thinning, independent of IOP status. Moreover, we delineate the role of Complex I defects, SARM1-mediated axonal degeneration, and proteomic alterations, which indicate defective mitophagy. These findings establish systemic metabolic profiling as a valuable supplementary tool for assessing patient risk and support the clinical translation of neuroprotective therapies targeting mitochondrial bioenergetics, specifically nicotinamide, pyruvate, coenzyme Q10, and metformin.
PMID:41898565 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27062704