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Project Description

Please note that we are a research service provider, not a pharmacy or clinic, so we are unable to see patients and do not offer diagnostic and treatment services for individuals.

Vitreous Degeneration

Vitreous degeneration is associated with the structural and biochemical degradation of vitreous humor, the gel-like substance present in the posterior segment of the eye. Protheragen provides a comprehensive suite of services dedicated to the development of diagnostics and therapeutics specifically targeting vitreous degeneration.

Overview of Vitreous Degeneration

Vitreous degeneration is a progressive disorder concerning the process of breakdown and liquefaction of the posterior chamber gel-like vitreous humor of the eye. This process of degeneration is mostly due to old age and can lead to many dramatic disturbances to vision features, such as floaters, flashes of light, and even in advanced stages, retinal detachment. The vitreous humor is made mostly of collagen fibers, hyaluronic acid and water, changes with time, the structure is also changed with time, succumbing to loss of gel-like composition and formation of pockets of liquefied vitreous.

Metabolic analysis of vitreous/lens and retina in mice with retinal degeneration.

Fig.1 Metabolic analysis of the vitreous/lens and retina in mice with retinal degeneration. (Murenu E., et al., 2021)

Pathogenesis of Vitreous Degeneration

A complicated system of biochemical and biomechanical elements interact dynamically in the pathogenesis of vitreous degeneration. Changes due to aging remain the most influential factors, but oxidative stress along with an enzyme-driven breakdown of vitreous components are significant contributors. Free radicals cause oxidative stress which leads to the dissolution of hyaluronic acid and a surge in collagen fiber precipitation which causes liquefaction and shrinkage of the vitreous. Furthermore, the progressive weakening of the vitreoretinal adhesion may cause posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), a frequently occurring complication that can lead to retinal separation and tearing. Diabetes and high myopia as part of systemic diseases tend to worsen the state of vitreous degeneration by accelerating these pathologically changes.

Therapeutics Development for Vitreous Degeneration

Imaging Diagnostics
For the prompt identification and monitoring of the deterioration of the vitreous body, advanced imaging modalities are invaluable. Monitoring liquefaction and detachment is rendered easier through high-resolution cross-sectional images of the vitreous and retina provided by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). For cases where OCT is limited by media opacity, Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is extremely effective in visualizing the vitreous and serves as an additional OCT counterpart.
Biomarker Identification
Identifying biomarkers located within the vitreous humor remains a novel sphere of investigation. The increase of oxidative stress indicators like malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) has been linked with the vitreous degeneration. Moreover, shifts in the concentration of collagen and hyaluronic acid fragments can also act as markers for the degenerative process. The biomarkers are retrievable with the help of vitreous aspiration and subsequent analysis, which dissects the phonotype at a molecular level.

Therapeutics Development for Vitreous Degeneration

Antioxidant Therapy

Antioxidants are being investigated in relation to treating vitreous degeneration. Preclinical studies using N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and vitamin E suggest they are capable of quenching free radicals and mitigating oxidative damage in the vitreous's components. Antioxidants given systemically could also reduce the rate of advancement in vitreous degeneration and help maintain sight.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Vitreous degeneration, particularly in its more severe forms linked to systemic diseases, is associated with inflammation. The inflammatory processes of vitreous degeneration were investigated using cortisol and NSAIDs. These drugs can be applied topically or injected directly into the eye, allowing for direct therapeutic of the eye tissues.

Pharmacological Vitreolysis

Pharmacological vitreolysis employs particular enzymes or biochemical agents to induce liquefaction and detachment of the vitreous gel. The hyaluronidase enzyme has been analyzed for its potential to cleave hyaluronic acid, thus aiding in vitreous liquefaction and lessening traction on the retina. This methodology seeks to mitigate issues like retinal detachment and macular holes.

Our Services

Protheragen stands out in the field of vitreous degeneration research and development through our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Our comprehensive services, combined with our scientific expertise and state-of-the-art technology, position us as a trusted partner for clients seeking to advance diagnostics and therapeutics for this challenging condition.

Diagnostics Development

Therapeutic Development

Preclinical Research

Disease Models

Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) Cell Models
Human iPSC-Derived Retinal Organoids
Dispase/Collagenase Induced Models
Surgically Induced Models
Lama1 Deletion Mouse Models

Protheragen's team comprises leading experts in ophthalmology, molecular biology, and pharmacology, ensuring a deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutics. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

Murenu, Elisa, et al. "Metabolic analysis of vitreous/lens and retina in wild type and retinal degeneration mice." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22.5 (2021): 2345.