Effects of Ocufolin on retinal microvasculature in patients with mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy carrying polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene

Abstract

IntroductionTo evaluate effects of Ocufolin on retinal microvasculature in mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients who carried methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms (DR+MTHFRP).Research design and methodsThis is a prospective cohort study. Eight DR+MTHFRP (administrated Ocufolin for 6 months) and 15 normal controls (NCs) were recruited. MTHFR polymorphisms were subtyped as normal, C677T, or A1298C. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated. Retinal vessel density (VD) and microstructure were evaluated by optical coherence tomography angiography.ResultsBCVA and vascular indices of DR+MTHFRP at baseline were worse than those of NC and improved. Compared with baseline, DR+MTHFRP had significantly improved BCVA during follow-up period (p<0.05). VD of superficial vascular plexus was increased at 4 months (p=0.012), while VD of retinal vascular network did not change (p>0.05). Carriers of A1298C and C677T showed statistically significant increase in VD at all layers by 6 months, while carriers of C677T alone showed no significant change and carriers of A1298C alone showed decreased density from 4 months to 6 months. Microstructure did not change during the follow-up period.ConclusionA 6-month intake of Ocufolin is capable of reversing structural changes of microangiopathy in mild non-proliferative DR+MTHFRP. This suggests a novel way to address these impairments prior to catastrophic vision loss.

Do Nutrients and Nutraceuticals Play a Role in Diabetic Retinopathy? A Systematic Review

“…The effect of Ocufolin, a vitamin complex composed of L-methylfolate (vitamin B9), vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, N-acetylcysteine and other compounds ( Table 2 ), on DR was tested by Liu and colleagues in a specific cohort of diabetes subjects with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms [ 29 , 30 ]. MTHFR, an enzyme involved in the folate methylation, contributes to convert homocysteine to methionine.…”

“…MTHFR, an enzyme involved in the folate methylation, contributes to convert homocysteine to methionine. Its polymorphisms and impaired function cause increased plasma homocysteine levels, hypertension, and increased microvascular retinal damage [ 30 ]. In the prospective interventional cohort study, Liu and colleagues observed that after six months of Ocufolin administration, patients with MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T, or A1298C) also affected by NPDR improved their visual acuity, superficial retinal and conjunctival vessel density [ 29 , 30 ].…”

“…Its polymorphisms and impaired function cause increased plasma homocysteine levels, hypertension, and increased microvascular retinal damage [ 30 ]. In the prospective interventional cohort study, Liu and colleagues observed that after six months of Ocufolin administration, patients with MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T, or A1298C) also affected by NPDR improved their visual acuity, superficial retinal and conjunctival vessel density [ 29 , 30 ]. The authors suggest that the observed improvement of retinal status could be obtained by means of the reduction in homocysteine level, insulin resistance, inflammation and mitochondrial oxidative stress related to the action of the different compounds of the vitamin complex [ 30 ].…”

“…Vitamins B complex, alone or in combination with other vitamins (C, D, E, etc. ), improved visual acuity, light sensitivity, retinal oedema and vessel density [ 29 , 30 , 31 ] ( Table 2 ).…”

Improved Retinal Microcirculation in Mild Diabetic Retinopathy Patients Carrying MTHFR Polymorphisms Who Received the Medical Food, Ocufolin®

“… 18 The ingredients of Ocufolin ® have been described in our previous studies. 19 , 20 We have demonstrated improved conjunctival microcirculation after the administration of Ocufolin ® . Additionally, we have also shown that a six-month intake of Ocufolin ® can reverse microvascular structural damage and improve visual acuity in patients with DR+PM.…”