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Evidence for the Hepato-Retinal Axis: A Systematic Review
Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers & Imaging Retina
|July 22, 2024
Summary
This review explores the hepato-retinal axis, investigating the link between liver health and retinal diseases. Evidence suggests a connection, warranting further research into this hepato-retinal axis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hepatology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Liver health is increasingly linked to retinal pathology through mechanisms like toxin deposition and blood-retina barrier disruption.
- Extrahepatic molecular synthesis and hemodynamic alterations in liver disease also contribute to potential hepato-retinal connections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing evidence supporting or refuting a hepato-retinal axis.
- To identify areas for future preclinical and clinical research regarding liver-eye interactions.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of English-language studies was conducted.
- Searches were performed on PubMed and Cochrane databases for studies linking hepatic dysfunction and retinal pathology.
Main Results:
- Fourteen studies were included from an initial pool of 604 publications.
- The selected studies encompassed preclinical research and clinical case series.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests that various liver pathologies may influence retinal conditions via hepatically synthesized molecules.
- The existence of a hepato-retinal axis is plausible, necessitating targeted investigations.
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