Researchers at Boston Medical Center have made an intriguing discovery that could transform how we diagnose and manage neurodegenerative disorders. They've identified a promising indicator of these disorders, usually found in the brain, in a more accessible location. But just how accessible is it?
Unlike the rest of the central nervous system (CNS), the retina is not encased in bone. This means the gateway to the soul, the eye, can also serve as a convenient access point for clinical research.
In their recently published paper in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Viha Vig and colleagues believe they've discovered reliable biomarkers for neurodegenerative illnesses in the vitreous humor, the fluid surrounding the retina.
Previous research has shed light on a fascinating connection between eye disease and the risk of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Although the exact link is unknown, studies have established a compelling association between these disorders and conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts.
By testing the vitreous humor in their recent study, scientists have identified several biomarkers associated with AD and CTE diagnoses. Sampling vitreous fluid could pave the way for earlier diagnosis, improved prognostication, and enhanced management of diseases such as AD and CTE.
Among the biomarkers floating in the vitreous fluid of AD and CTE participants were Tau proteins and neurofilament light-chain. However, it's important to note that the statistical significance of some results hinged on increasing the chance of false positives (alpha = 0.10). Nevertheless, the presence of pathological markers in an accessible external part of the CNS is a boon for clinicians seeking to diagnose these disorders before death.
While the idea of sampling your eye fluid might be unsettling, this pioneering research demonstrates the potential of leveraging vitreous humor as a valuable resource for studying neurodegenerative diseases. The participants did not complain about the vitreous sampling, most likely due to their post-mortem status. The volume necessary for analysis is potentially as little as 100 microliters. Perhaps, only individuals undergoing surgery for existing eye issues will be willing to provide diagnostic samples. There may soon be a potential option for future eye surgery patients to request the analysis of their vitreous humor.
If we overcome the initial ommetaphobia or fear of things damaging our eyes, we may gain insights into the intricate workings of the human brain and find new paths toward preventing and treating neurodegenerative disorders.
Sources: IOS Press, Clinical Proteomics, EurekAlert!
