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Vitamin D rejuvenates aging eyes by reducing inflammation, clearing amyloid beta and improving visual function
Vivian Lee1, Elissa Rekhi, Jaimie Hoh Kam
1University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, UK.
Neurobiology of Aging
|January 6, 2012
Summary
Vitamin D(3) supplementation in aged mice reduced retinal inflammation and amyloid beta buildup. This improved visual function, suggesting vitamin D(3) can combat age-related vision decline and protect against AMD.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- The outer retina is susceptible to age-related changes, including inflammation and extracellular deposition.
- These changes contribute to visual decline and are linked to conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Amyloid beta (Aβ) accumulation is a key hallmark of aging and a risk factor for AMD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of vitamin D(3) administration on age-related changes in the retina.
- To determine if vitamin D(3) can mitigate retinal inflammation, Aβ deposition, and associated visual decline in aged mice.
Main Methods:
- Aged mice were administered vitamin D(3) for six weeks.
- Retinal inflammation, Aβ levels, macrophage numbers and morphology, and visual function were assessed.
Main Results:
- Vitamin D(3) treatment significantly reduced retinal inflammation and Aβ accumulation.
- A decrease in retinal macrophage numbers and altered morphology were observed.
- Significant improvements in visual function were noted in treated mice.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D(3) administration effectively combats key aging processes in the retina, including inflammation and Aβ deposition.
- This intervention leads to improved visual function in aged mice.
- Vitamin D(3) shows promise as a therapeutic strategy to slow age-related visual decline and protect against AMD.
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