Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles have found that vision loss in some inherited eye diseases may be caused by gut bacteria. Research results published In the journal Cell.
It is stated that the intestines contain trillions of bacteria, many of which are key to healthy digestion. But they can also be potentially harmful. In an experiment involving laboratory mice, scientists were able to find that the CRB1 gene plays a key role in controlling the integrity of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
It is also expressed in the retina (the thin layer of cells at the back of the eye) and is critical for creating the blood-retinal barrier, which prevents large molecules from entering the retinal tissue through blood vessels. Many inherited eye diseases, such as Leber congenital amaurosis and retinitis pigmentosa, are associated with CRB1.
Researchers discovered that a specific mutation in this gene, characterized by a decrease in its expression (functional efficiency), leads to a violation of the integrity of the blood-retinal barrier. It is also associated with certain harmful gut bacteria circulating in the body and entering the retina of the eyes, causing retinal damage.
Scientists suggest that the use of antimicrobials may help prevent the progression of CRB1-related inherited eye diseases. An experiment on mice showed that this treatment method could stop the process of vision loss, but could not restore eye damage at the cellular level. More research is needed to evaluate the effect of antimicrobials on humans.
Previous ophthalmologists saidWhy do pupils appear red in flash photos?