Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 17, 2025 3 days, 15 hours, 49 minutes ago
Thailand Eye Clinics: Breakthrough Research Offers Hope for Stroke-Induced Vision Loss
A team of researchers from Weill Cornell Medical School, the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Medical School Berlin has made a significant discovery that could help restore vision in individuals affected by a specific type of optic nerve stroke. Their study focused on a peptide called Angiotensin-(1-7), which has shown promising results in improving visual function and nerve regeneration in laboratory models.
Potential New Treatment for Vision Loss from Optic Nerve Stroke
Understanding Optic Nerve Stroke and Its Challenges
Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a common cause of sudden vision loss, affecting more than 10,000 people annually in the United States alone. It occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is disrupted, leading to nerve damage and loss of vision. Until now, there has been no effective treatment available for this condition, leaving many patients with permanent vision impairment.
This Medical News report highlights a study in which scientists explored the potential of Angiotensin-(1-7), a compound that has shown neuroprotective and regenerative properties in other brain-related conditions. The research team tested this compound in a rodent model of NAION to determine if it could improve visual function and repair damaged nerves.
Study Details and Key Findings
The study involved inducing NAION in laboratory rats and then administering Angiotensin-(1-7) to some of the animals, while others received a placebo. The treatment was given one day after the onset of the stroke and continued for 28 days. Researchers measured the extent of nerve damage, levels of inflammation, and improvements in visual function.
The findings were remarkable. Rats treated with Angiotensin-(1-7) showed significant improvements in visual acuity compared to those that did not receive the treatment. On average, the treated rats experienced a 10% overall improvement in vision, with those suffering from more severe nerve damage showing an even greater benefit. Additionally, the treatment appeared to enhance the survival of nerve cells and reduce inflammation in the optic nerve.
How Angiotensin-(1-7) Works
Angiotensin-(1-7) is a naturally occurring peptide in the body that interacts with the MAS1 receptor, playing a crucial role in regulating inflammation and promoting nerve regeneration. The study suggests that this compound may help restore function in damaged optic nerves by reducing harmful inflammatory responses and supporting the survival of nerve cells.
Previous treatments for NAION have focused on preventing nerve damage at very early stages, often before symptoms fully develop. However, Angiotensin-(1-7) is the first therapy that has shown effectiveness even when administered after the onset of the condition. This characteristic makes it a particularly promising candidate for future clinical trials, as most patients seek treatment only after experiencing noticeable vision loss.
What This Means for Future Tr
eatment
The implications of this research are significant. If similar results can be achieved in human clinical trials, Angiotensin-(1-7) could become the first effective treatment for NAION and potentially other types of white matter stroke affecting the nervous system. This discovery brings renewed hope to patients who currently have no options for recovering lost vision.
While further studies are necessary to confirm these results in humans, the promising findings from this animal study provide a strong foundation for future research. Scientists are now working to determine the best dosage, delivery methods, and potential side effects of the treatment in preparation for clinical trials. Ophthalmologists from local
Thailand Eye Clinics are already exploring this new treatment protocol in small clinical trials.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking research represents a major step forward in the treatment of optic nerve strokes. By demonstrating that Angiotensin-(1-7) can improve visual function and promote nerve repair, scientists have opened the door to new possibilities for restoring vision in patients affected by NAION. Future clinical trials will be essential in determining whether this promising therapy can be safely and effectively used in humans.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Cells.
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/14/4/289
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/californian-study-shows-that-post-covid-individuals-are-at-a-risk-of-developing-retinal-vascular-occlusions-or-eye-strokes
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/greek-doctors-warn-of-growing-incidences-of-covid-19-related-retinal-vascular-occlusion
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/sars-cov-2-also-targets-the-nervous-system-of-eyes-causing-ocular-neuroinflammation
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