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Gasotransmitters in Glaucoma: A New Paradigm
Siddhi A Devkate1, Priyanka Tithee Malaker1, Diksha Mahadeo Telangi1
1Department of Pharmacy Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA.
Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Research
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Glaucoma treatment needs to address both intraocular pressure (IOP) and neurodegeneration. Gasotransmitters like nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and carbon monoxide (CO) show promise as multi-targeting glaucoma therapies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, characterized by retinal ganglion cell loss and optic nerve damage.
- Current treatments primarily focus on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), neglecting the underlying neurodegeneration.
- A significant unmet need exists for therapies that address both IOP and neuroprotection in glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the unmet needs in current glaucoma therapy.
- To summarize the physiological roles of gasotransmitters (NO, H2S, CO).
- To discuss the potential of gasotransmitters as multi-targeting therapeutic agents for glaucoma.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of glaucoma pathophysiology.
- Summary of gasotransmitter physiology and ocular effects.
- Analysis of existing research on gasotransmitters in glaucoma models.
Main Results:
- Gasotransmitters exhibit dual actions: reducing IOP and mitigating neurodegeneration.
- Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) reduce IOP and protect retinal neurons.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) relaxes trabecular meshwork and prevents retinal apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Gasotransmitters offer a novel multi-targeting approach for glaucoma treatment.
- These molecules can address both IOP elevation and neurodegeneration, improving patient outcomes.
- Further research into gasotransmitter-based therapies could revolutionize glaucoma management.
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