Calorie restriction (CR) and CR mimetics for the prevention and treatment of age-related eye disorders[white star].
Kawashima, Motoko; Ozawa, Yoko; Shinmura, Ken; Inaba, Takaaki; Nakamura, Shigeru; Kawakita, Tetsuya; Watanabe, Mitsuhiro; Tsubota, Kazuo
[Article]
Experimental Gerontology.
48(10):1096-1100, October 2013.
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The morbidity of ocular diseases, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye disease, has been gradually increasing worldwide. Because these diseases develop from age-associated ocular dysfunctions, interventions against the aging process itself may be a promising strategy for their management. Among the several approaches to interrupt aging processes, calorie restriction (CR) has been shown to recover and/or slow age-related functional declines in various organs, including the eye. Here, we review interventions against the aging process as potential therapeutic approaches to age-related ocular diseases. The effects of CR and CR mimetics in animal models of age-related eye diseases are explored. Furthermore, we discuss the possibilities of expanding this research to prospective studies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which CR and/or CR mimetics preserve ocular functions.
Highlights:
* CR prevents age-related decline of lacrimal gland function and morphology in rats.
* CR could contribute to lowering the amount of oxidative stress.
* Resveratrol as a CR mimetic suppresses vascular lesions associated with diabetic retinopathy.
* Mechanism of CR is related to AMPK activation.
(C) 2013Elsevier, Inc.