Microbiome and Retinal Vascular Diseases.
Joel-Benjamin Lincke1, Lucine Christe2, Jan Darius Unterlauft1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
The American Journal of Pathology
|March 24, 2023
Summary
The gut microbiome impacts overall health and is linked to numerous diseases. Modulating the gut microbiome may offer a new approach to prevent or treat retinal vascular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- The gut microbiome, comprising diverse microbes and metabolites, is crucial for host homeostasis.
- Gut dysbiosis (imbalance) is linked to chronic inflammation and diseases like IBD, obesity, and liver disease.
- Risk factors for retinal vascular diseases (diabetic retinopathy, RVO, RAO) include diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential influence of the gut microbiome on the pathogenesis of major retinal vascular diseases.
- To investigate the gut microbiome as a potential target for preventing or treating these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gut microbiome, dysbiosis, and associated systemic diseases.
- Analysis of potential links between gut dysbiosis, inflammation, and risk factors for retinal vascular diseases.
Main Results:
- Gut dysbiosis is associated with chronic inflammation, a known contributor to systemic diseases.
- Established risk factors for retinal vascular diseases are frequently linked to gut microbiome alterations.
- A direct causal link between gut microbiome and retinal vascular diseases requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiome may play a role in the development or progression of diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and retinal artery occlusion.
- Targeting and modulating the gut microbiome presents a potential novel therapeutic strategy for these retinal vascular diseases.
