Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
07:12
Spatio-Temporal In Vivo Imaging of Ocular Drug Delivery Systems using Fiberoptic Confocal Laser Microendoscopy
Published on: September 27, 2021
Understanding the link between lipid and ocular disorders for effective therapy
Muhammad Zulfiqah Sadikan1, Haryati Ahmad Hairi2, Lidawani Lambuk3
1Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak, Malaysia.
Archives of Medical Science : AMS
|June 17, 2026
Summary
Cholesterol metabolism impacts eye health, contributing to diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Lipid-modulating therapies show promise for preventing and treating vision-threatening ocular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Lipid Metabolism
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cholesterol is vital for cellular function but dysregulated metabolism contributes to ocular diseases.
- Altered lipid balance, transport, and inflammation are implicated in age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular diseases, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cholesterol synthesis, transport, and regulation in the context of ocular diseases.
- To discuss the roles of different lipoproteins and key molecular pathways in ocular pathogenesis.
- To highlight clinical implications of lipid-modulating therapies for eye conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review integrating current knowledge on cholesterol metabolism and ocular diseases.
- Critical discussion of molecular pathways: mevalonate-SREBP axis, reverse cholesterol transport, VEGF, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- Analysis of clinical and translational data on lipid-modulating therapies.
Main Results:
- Dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is a significant factor in various vision-threatening diseases.
- Specific lipoproteins (LDL, HDL, triglyceride-rich) play differential roles in ocular pathology.
- Key molecular pathways mediate lipid-driven inflammation and angiogenesis in the eye.
Conclusions:
- Cholesterol is a modifiable determinant of ocular health.
- Lipid-modulating therapies (statins, fenofibrate) may offer ocular benefits.
- Understanding cholesterol's role can guide preventive strategies and therapeutic innovation for eye diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
01:17Accessory Structures of the Eye
Optical perception, or vision, is an extraordinary sense dependent on converting light signals received via the ocular organs. These organs, known as eyes, are securely positioned within the bony cavities of the skull, called orbits. The orbits serve a dual purpose: a protective shield for the ocular globes and a stable attachment point for the soft ocular tissues. The eye's external protective mechanisms include the eyelids, which are edged with lashes that act as a barrier against foreign...
01:31Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...