Scientists from Nagoya University found that the cause of blindness in ocular toxoplasmosis is iron accumulation in the retina. A drug that reduces iron concentrations alleviates the disease in mice. The research was published in the journal Redox Biology.
Toxoplasma is a parasite that affects approximately one-third of humanity. When toxoplasma affects the eyes, 25% of patients experience vision loss. This is partly because the PCR test used to diagnose the disease is unreliable, with only a 30% accuracy rate.
In a new study, scientists suggested checking iron levels in patients’ eyes instead of testing for the parasite. They found increased iron concentrations in the retinas of mice with toxoplasmosis. Additionally, people with ocular toxoplasmosis had decreased vitreous iron concentrations compared to patients with other eye diseases, which may indicate migration to the retina. The sensitivity and specificity of the test, based on analysis of iron levels, exceeded 80%. Further studies showed that iron accumulation causes retinal cell loss, which can lead to blindness. Administration of the iron-binding drug deferiprone reduced retinal inflammation in mice.
Previous scientists I found a way Avoid blindness due to glaucoma.