Decoding health clues in the retinal photoreceptor layer
Seattle, Wash. — The retina consists of ten layers spanning from the inner surface to the back of the eye. At the core of the retina’s functionality are photoreceptors, comprising the inner and outer segments of rods and cones that convert light into neural signals for visual processing. The outer segments resemble tiny discs housing light-sensitive pigments crucial for this transformation. Meanwhile, the inner segments harbor numerous mitochondria, which fuel the energy-demanding tasks of the photoreceptor cells. While the significance of the retinal photoreceptor layer in vision is evident, its role in overall systemic health remains an intriguing area warranting further exploration. This week at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology’s (ARVO) 2024 Annual Meeting in Seattle, Wash., a study delves into the relationship between the photoreceptor layer and overall body health.
Scientists from China and the U.S. used metabolomics and optical coherence tomography data from two multi-national, multi-ethnic cohorts. Through analyzing blood samples and eye scans from thousands of people, they identified specific molecules in the blood linked with the photoreceptor layer. Those molecules were also associated with various diseases like diabetes, heart disease and specific types of cancer.
Lead investigator Shaopeng Yang, MD, PhD, said, “Our work reveals the potential of retinal photoreceptors to inform systemic health and advance a multisystem perspective on human health by revealing eye–body connections and shared metabolic influences." Professor Wei Wang, MD, PhD, another principal investigator said, “Our approach, replicated across cohorts of diverse ethnicity, provides valuable insights into the interorgan pathophysiological mechanisms, and offers guidance for the prevention and early detection of multisystem diseases.”
- Abstract title: Metabolic signatures of retinal photoreceptor layer reveal underpinnings of eye-body association and predict multi-disease risk
- Presentation start/end time: Wednesday, May 8, 2:15 – 4pm PT
- Location: Poster/Exhibit Hall (Level 4), Seattle Convention Center
- Posterboard number: A0377
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The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest eye and vision research organization in the world. Members include approximately 10,000 eye and vision researchers from over 75 countries. ARVO advances research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating and curing its disorders. Learn more at ARVO.org.
Media contact:
Jenniffer Scherhaufer, MMC, CAE
1.240.221.2923
media@arvo.org