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Targeting Senescence, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation: Quercetin-Based Strategies for Ocular Diseases in Older
Alessandro Medoro1, Sergio Davinelli1, Luca Scuderi2
1Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
Abstract:
Quercetin, a flavonol abundant in fruits and vegetables, has attracted significant attention for its senotherapeutic effects, which involve the selective elimination of senescent cells and the modulation of pro-inflammatory phenotypes that contribute to age-related dysfunctions. These actions, together with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-angiogenic properties, make quercetin a promising strategy for ocular diseases associated with visual impairment in older adults such as age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. This review emphasizes the mechanisms by which quercetin exerts its protective effects, with particular attention to its ability to target cellular senescence, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate inflammation. Despite extensive preclinical evidence, the clinical application of quercetin remains limited due to challenges related to poor bioavailability, rapid degradation, and the absence of standardized ocular formulations. Progress in drug delivery systems, including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and solid lipid carriers, provides promising strategies to overcome these barriers. In addition, combining quercetin with established treatments, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and neuroprotective drugs, may enhance its therapeutic potential in managing and possibly reversing age-related ophthalmic disorders.
Insights
Quercetin, a natural compound, shows promise for eye diseases by clearing aging cells and reducing inflammation. Improved delivery methods could enhance its effectiveness for conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Quercetin, a plant flavonol, exhibits senotherapeutic properties, targeting senescent cells and inflammation.
- Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-angiogenic effects are beneficial for age-related ocular conditions.
- Conditions like age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma are associated with visual impairment in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of quercetin's protective effects in ocular diseases.
- To highlight quercetin's potential in targeting cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- To discuss challenges and advancements in quercetin's clinical application for ophthalmic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on preclinical and clinical studies of quercetin in ocular health.
- Analysis of quercetin's molecular mechanisms, including senolysis and anti-inflammatory pathways.
- Evaluation of novel drug delivery systems and combination therapies for quercetin.
Main Results:
- Quercetin effectively targets cellular senescence, reduces oxidative stress, and modulates inflammation, showing preclinical promise for various eye diseases.
- Poor bioavailability and degradation limit current clinical use.
- Advanced delivery systems (nanoparticles, nanoemulsions) and combination therapies offer potential solutions.
Conclusions:
- Quercetin demonstrates significant potential as a senotherapeutic agent for age-related eye diseases.
- Overcoming bioavailability challenges through advanced drug delivery is crucial for clinical translation.
- Combination strategies may enhance quercetin's efficacy in managing and potentially reversing ophthalmic disorders.
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