Oxidative stress and its downstream signaling in aging eyes

Abstract

BackgroundOxidative stress (OS) and its biomarkers are the biochemical end point of the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the ability of the antioxidant (AOX) biological systems to fight against oxidative injury.ObjectiveWe reviewed the role of OS and its downstream signaling in aging eyes.MethodsA search of the literature and current knowledge on the physiological and pathological mechanisms of OS were revisited in relation to the eyes and the aging process. Most prevalent ocular diseases have been analyzed herein in relation to OS and nutraceutic supplements, such as dry-eye disorders, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.ResultsClinical, biochemical, and molecular data from anterior and posterior eye segment diseases point to OS as the common pathogenic mechanism in the majority of these ocular disorders, many of which are pathologies causing visual impairment, blindness, and subsequent loss of life quality. Studies with nutraceutic supplements in aging eye-related pathologies have also been reviewed.ConclusionOS, nutritional status, and nutraceutic supplements have to be considered within the standards of care of older ophthalmologic patients. OS biomarkers and surrogate end points may help in managing the aging population with ocular diseases.

Higher serum lipids and oxidative stress in patients with normal tension glaucoma, but not pseudoexfoliative glaucoma

“…The oxidant/antioxidant parameters in PEX and PEXG patients has been studied extensively and OS markers were found to have risen, while antioxidants have diminished, resulting in an oxidative balance in favor of oxidants [9][10][11][12][13]. There are fewer studies on NTG, but an increase in OS has been associated with it nonetheless [6,7]. We were able to find only one paper comparing PEXG and NTG directly in this frame.…”

“…Little is known about the pathophysiologic mechanism of NTG [5]. Various systemic factors, such as dyslipidemia and oxidative stress (OS), are believed to trigger and increase the severity of the disorder [6,7]. Pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) is also associated with OS, in which abnormal extracellular fibrillar material is accumulated in the eye, obstructing humor drainage [8].…”

Glutathione S-Transferase GSTM 1, Null Genotype May Be Associated With Susceptibility to Age-Related Cataract

“…Oxidation-reduction mechanisms have special importance in the eye. Oxidative damage has important role in the development of glaucoma, cataract and other eye diseases by resulting in a number of molecular changes in the eye [3,5,6,27]. The peroxidative damage to the lens cell membranes and biomolecules, induced by the lack of reductive detoxification of phospholipid hydroperoxides, has been proposed as a triggering mechanism of cataractogenesis.…”

Oxidative stress-related damage of retinal pigment epithelial cells : possible protective properties of autophagocytosed iron-binding proteins

“…In the eye, oxidative stress contributes to the development of many common chronic ophthalmic disorders including AMD, cataract, open-angle glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis and ocular surface disorders [104]. The term 'oxidative stress' refers to an imbalance between the cell's anti-oxidant defense system and the intracellular amount of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are always present in the cell to some degree.…”