Lipid Neuroprotectants and Traumatic Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration
Abstract
Glaucoma refers to a group of irreversible blinding diseases that steal sight slowly in increments without pain or obvious symptoms. Specific lipids naturally present in the clear fluid of the anterior chamber of the eye in healthy individuals but not in individuals suffering from glaucoma (endogenous lipids). The proposed research is to develop several such lipids as potential glaucoma therapeutics. The progressive loss of vision in glaucoma is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Lowering IOP remains the only proven strategy to halt glaucoma progression. Prostaglandins (nut not other lipids) are currently the only known lipid that lowers IOP. About 25 of glaucoma patients including Veterans, are recalcitrant to available glaucoma medications; thus, new therapeutic molecules are needed to treat this group. The proposed research will further assess the efficacy of the new lipids to lower IOP using mouse and monkeys that can develop glaucoma naturally or by design. Trauma-induced glaucoma common among veterans are mostly non-responsive to conventional medication. The proposed research aims to provide a new mechanism-based therapy for such recalcitrant patients upon establishment of their efficacy in animal models.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1015001
Entities
People
- Sanjoy K Bhattacharya
Organizations
- University of Miami