TY - JOUR
T1 - Advances in Neuroprotection in Glaucoma
T2 - Pharmacological Strategies and Emerging Technologies
AU - Wang, Li Hsin
AU - Huang, Chun Hao
AU - Lin, I. Chan
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 by the authors.
PY - 2024/10
Y1 - 2024/10
N2 - Glaucoma is a major global health concern and the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, characterized by the progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. This review focuses on the need for neuroprotective strategies in glaucoma management, addressing the limitations of current treatments that primarily target intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. Despite effective IOP management, many patients continue to experience RGC degeneration, leading to irreversible blindness. This review provides an overview of both pharmacological interventions and emerging technologies aimed at directly protecting RGCs and the optic nerve, independent of IOP reduction. Pharmacological agents such as brimonidine, neurotrophic factors, memantine, Ginkgo biloba extract, citicoline, nicotinamide, insulin, and resveratrol show promise in preclinical and early clinical studies for their neuroprotective properties. Emerging technologies, including stem cell therapy, gene therapy, mitochondrial-targeted therapies, and nanotechnologies, offer innovative approaches for neuroprotection and regeneration of damaged RGCs. While these interventions hold significant potential, further research and clinical trials are necessary to confirm their efficacy and establish their role in clinical practice. This review highlights the multifaceted nature of neuroprotection in glaucoma, aiming to guide future research and clinical practice toward more effective management of glaucoma-induced neurodegeneration.
AB - Glaucoma is a major global health concern and the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, characterized by the progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. This review focuses on the need for neuroprotective strategies in glaucoma management, addressing the limitations of current treatments that primarily target intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. Despite effective IOP management, many patients continue to experience RGC degeneration, leading to irreversible blindness. This review provides an overview of both pharmacological interventions and emerging technologies aimed at directly protecting RGCs and the optic nerve, independent of IOP reduction. Pharmacological agents such as brimonidine, neurotrophic factors, memantine, Ginkgo biloba extract, citicoline, nicotinamide, insulin, and resveratrol show promise in preclinical and early clinical studies for their neuroprotective properties. Emerging technologies, including stem cell therapy, gene therapy, mitochondrial-targeted therapies, and nanotechnologies, offer innovative approaches for neuroprotection and regeneration of damaged RGCs. While these interventions hold significant potential, further research and clinical trials are necessary to confirm their efficacy and establish their role in clinical practice. This review highlights the multifaceted nature of neuroprotection in glaucoma, aiming to guide future research and clinical practice toward more effective management of glaucoma-induced neurodegeneration.
KW - glaucoma
KW - neuroprotection
KW - retinal neurodegeneration
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85207662857&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85207662857&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3390/ph17101261
DO - 10.3390/ph17101261
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85207662857
SN - 1424-8247
VL - 17
JO - Pharmaceuticals
JF - Pharmaceuticals
IS - 10
M1 - 1261
ER -