Integrative Mechanisms and Emerging Therapies for Lacrimal Gland Aging
Aging Dis. 2025 Nov 12. doi: 10.14336/AD.2025.1144. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT To synthesize current evidence on structural, cellular, metabolic, and neuro-immune mechanisms of lacrimal gland (LG) aging in humans and animal models, and to map translational strategies for age-related aqueous-deficient dry eye (ADDE). Narrative synthesis of clinical tear-function studies; human histopathology/biobank data; and mechanistic […]
Sestrin2 Exerts a Novel Protective Effect Against LPS-Induced Ferroptosis via the Nrf2-SLC7A11-GPX4 Signaling Axis
FASEB J. 2025 Nov 30;39(22):e71251. doi: 10.1096/fj.202501348RRR. ABSTRACT Uveitis is a leading cause of visual impairment linked to systemic inflammatory diseases. Current corticosteroid treatments are limited by significant long-term side effects. Sestrin 2 (SESN2), a stress-responsive antioxidant protein, is implicated in the regulation of ferroptosis and inflammation. This study investigates SESN2’s role in modulating inflammation […]
EPO-R76E Enhances Retinal Pigment Epithelium Viability Under Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress Induced by Paraquat
Cells. 2025 Nov 14;14(22):1794. doi: 10.3390/cells14221794. ABSTRACT Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, primarily driven by oxidative stress-induced degeneration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Erythropoietin (EPO), a hematopoietic cytokine with neuroprotective properties, has been shown to reduce apoptosis and retinal degeneration. In this study, we examined the cytoprotective role […]
Andrographolide Promotes Ferroptosis in Pancreatic Cancer via Targeting and Activating HSP90/GPX4 Ubiquitination
Biofactors. 2025 Nov-Dec;51(6):e70063. doi: 10.1002/biof.70063. ABSTRACT Pancreatic adenocarcinoma accounts for 90% of pancreatic cancer cases, the deadliest kind. PC patients’ poor immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and other responses lead to a generally failed treatment strategy. Thus, understanding molecular processes is essential for creating novel PC therapies. The natural chemical andrographolide (ADG) from Andrographis paniculata shows anticancer properties […]
Metformin protects retinal ganglion cells in a preclinical model of retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury and stabilizes visual field in diabetic patients with glaucoma
Cell Death Discov. 2025 Nov 24;11(1):546. doi: 10.1038/s41420-025-02824-y. ABSTRACT Metformin, a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, has gained attention as a promising neuroprotective agent due to its pleiotropic effects – including anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and autophagy-enhancing properties. Here we provide both preclinical and clinical evidence demonstrating the neuroprotective effects of metformin in the context of […]
Preclinical Assessment of Mitochondrial-Targeted ND4 Gene Therapy for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy
Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2025 Nov 3;66(14):58. doi: 10.1167/iovs.66.14.58. ABSTRACT PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to establish preclinical safety data to advance mitochondrial targeted AAV-delivered human ND4 (MTSAAV/hND4) for treatment of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). METHODS: MTSAAV/hND4 was bilaterally injected into mouse eyes to evaluate potential adverse effects on visual function using […]
Causal Effects Between Retinal Characteristics and Cardiovascular Diseases: Insights from Genetic Correlation, Mendelian Randomization, and Cross-Sectional Study
Glob Heart. 2025 Nov 21;20(1):104. doi: 10.5334/gh.1493. eCollection 2025. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of mortality and disability, with prevalence increasing due to aging and risk factors like obesity and hypertension. The retina, rich in microvasculature, provides a unique opportunity to investigate microvascular dysfunction linked to CVDs and other systemic […]
Activation of GSDME by all-trans-retinal increases sensitivity to photoreceptor ferroptosis
Int J Biol Sci. 2025 Oct 27;21(15):7029-7042. doi: 10.7150/ijbs.114187. eCollection 2025. ABSTRACT Impaired clearance of all-trans-retinal (atRAL) due to visual cycle dysfunction contributes to photoreceptor atrophy, a key pathological hallmark of Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Prior studies have shown that light-induced atRAL accumulation promotes ferroptosis and activates gasdermin […]
Nutraceuticals and neuroprotection for glaucoma-introducing the NP-10 System
Ther Adv Ophthalmol. 2025 Nov 20;17:25158414251393125. doi: 10.1177/25158414251393125. eCollection 2025 Jan-Dec. ABSTRACT Glaucoma, a leading global cause of irreversible blindness, often progresses despite adequate intraocular pressure (IOP) control, highlighting a crucial unmet need for neuroprotective strategies that directly promote retinal ganglion cell survival. In addition, the glaucoma standard of care is often reactive, initiating only […]
In vivo mitochondrial base editing restores genotype and visual function in a mouse model of LHON
Nat Commun. 2025 Nov 23. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-66600-3. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), a maternally inherited mitochondrial disorder, results from point mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), primarily affecting the MT-ND4 gene. To date, no animal model harboring authentic LHON mutations has been available, limiting therapeutic development. However, when we attempted to […]