Glaucomas are neurodegenerative diseases that cause vision loss, especially in the elderly. The mechanisms initiating glaucoma and driving neuronal vulnerability during normal aging are unknown. Studying glaucoma-prone mice, we show that mitochondrial abnormalities are an early driver of neuronal dysfunction, occurring before detectable degeneration. Retinal levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD, a key molecule in energy and redox metabolism) decrease with age and render aging neurons vulnerable to disease-related insults. Oral administration of the NAD precursor nicotinamide (vitamin B), and/or gene therapy (driving expression of , a key NAD-producing enzyme), was protective both prophylactically and as an intervention. At the highest dose tested, 93% of eyes did not develop glaucoma. This supports therapeutic use of vitamin B in glaucoma and potentially other age-related neurodegenerations.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5408298PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.aal0092DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

vitamin modulates
4
modulates mitochondrial
4
mitochondrial vulnerability
4
vulnerability prevents
4
glaucoma
4
prevents glaucoma
4
glaucoma aged
4
aged mice
4
mice glaucomas
4
glaucomas neurodegenerative
4

Similar Publications

Vitamin Bs as Potent Anticancer Agents through MMP-2/9 Regulation.

Front Biosci (Landmark Ed)

January 2025

Department of Chemistry Education, Kongju National University, 32588 Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea.

In recent years, the role of coenzymes, particularly those from the vitamin B group in modulating the activity of metalloenzymes has garnered significant attention in cancer treatment strategies. Metalloenzymes play pivotal roles in various cellular processes, including DNA repair, cell signaling, and metabolism, making them promising targets for cancer therapy. This review explores the complex interplay between coenzymes, specifically vitamin Bs, and metalloenzymes in cancer pathogenesis and treatment.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A Study of the Different Strains of the Genus spp. on Increasing Productivity and Stress Resilience in Plants.

Plants (Basel)

January 2025

National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100086, China.

One of the most important and essential components of sustainable agricultural production is biostimulants, which are emerging as a notable alternative of chemical-based products to mitigate soil contamination and environmental hazards. The most important modes of action of bacterial plant biostimulants on different plants are increasing disease resistance; activation of genes; production of chelating agents and organic acids; boosting quality through metabolome modulation; affecting the biosynthesis of phytochemicals; coordinating the activity of antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes; synthesis and accumulation of anthocyanins, vitamin C, and polyphenols; enhancing abiotic stress through cytokinin and abscisic acid (ABA) production; upregulation of stress-related genes; and the production of exopolysaccharides, secondary metabolites, and ACC deaminase. is a free-living bacterial genus which can promote the yield and growth of many species, with multiple modes of action which can vary on the basis of different climate and soil conditions.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Herbal and Dietary Supplements as Adjunctive Treatment for Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Italy.

Nutrients

January 2025

Unit of Internal Medicine, AOU Policlinico "P. Giaccone", Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several observational studies proved a certain efficacy of nutraceuticals, herbal products, and other dietary supplements as adjuvant therapies used alongside antiviral drugs. Although their use has not been widespread in Italy, according to preliminary evidence, many supplements with demonstrated immunomodulatory effects, such as vitamins C and D, herbal medicines and essential oils, might relieve the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19, since SARS-CoV-2 can activate inflammasome-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways. Other observational studies have shown that herbal treatments, such as and ginseng, help alleviate respiratory symptoms and reduce serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, which are typically overexpressed in both adult and pediatric SARS-CoV-2 patients.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Vitamin D Supplementation Is Associated with Inflammation Amelioration and Cognitive Improvement in Decompensated Patients with Cirrhosis.

Nutrients

January 2025

Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain.

Decompensated cirrhosis is characterized by systemic inflammation and innate and adaptive immune dysfunction. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a prevalent and debilitating condition characterized by cognitive disturbances in which ammonia and inflammation play a synergistic pathogenic role. Extraskeletal functions of vitamin D include immunomodulation, and its deficiency has been implicated in immune dysfunction and different forms of cognitive impairment.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has profoundly impacted global health, with pneumonia emerging as a major complication in severe cases. The pathogenesis of COVID-19 is marked by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an excessive inflammatory response, resulting in oxidative stress and significant tissue damage, particularly in the respiratory system. Antioxidants have garnered considerable attention for their potential role in managing COVID-19 pneumonia by mitigating oxidative stress and modulating immune responses.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!