Potential Treatment Found for Age and Diabetes-Induced Eye Disease

HOT TOPIC

Researchers at the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit say they have provided evidence that deletion of the protein vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM1) in the body can treat age and diabetes-induced retinal disease. (Read more here.)

VCAM1 is found in high quantities in the eyes of patients with diabetes. The protein interrupts the adhesion of white bloods cells’ lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils to the vascular endothelium and induces pathologic retinal angiogenesis, which can lead to blindness. The researchers observed that IL-33 regulates VCAM-1 expression in human retinal endothelial cells and that genetic deletion of IL-33 reduces hypoxia-induced VCAM-1 expression and retinal neovascularization in C57BL/6 mice. They also found that VCAM-1 via JunB regulates IL-8 promoter activity and expression in human retinal endothelial cells.

The study further outlines the regulatory role of VCAM-1-JunB-IL-8 signaling on retinal endothelial cell sprouting and angiogenesis. The researchers’ RNA sequencing results show an induced expression of CXCL1 (a murine functional homolog of IL-8) in the hypoxic retina. They also demonstrate that intravitreal injection of VCAM-1 siRNA not only decreases hypoxia-induced VCAM-1-JunB-CXCL1 signaling, but also reduces oxygen-induced retinopathy–induced sprouting and retinal neovascularization. These findings suggest that VCAM-1-JunB-IL-8 signaling plays a crucial role in retinal neovascularization, and that its antagonism might provide an advanced treatment option for proliferative retinopathies. The open-access findings are published in Communication Biology.

OUTSIDE THE LANE

More Older Americans Using Patient Portals

A growing number of older Americans are using online patient portals to access health care, according to a new University of Michigan (go Blue!) National Poll on Healthy Aging. Per the poll results, about 78% of people between 50 and 80 years of age now use at least one patient portal, whereas just 51% of people in this age range used patient portals 5 years ago, researchers said.

The study's findings suggest that patient portals are becoming an increasingly popular way for older adults to access their health care information and communicate with their doctors. Researchers say that the increased use of patient portals is a positive development, as it can help older adults better manage their health care. They also say that patient portals can help to reduce the number of unnecessary doctor visits.

Additionally, the researchers noted that there are some challenges associated with the use of patient portals. For example, some older adults may not have access to the internet or may not be comfortable using technology. It was also discovered that these older adults who also have annual incomes below $60,000 and those who were Black or Hispanic had lower rates of portal use. (Read more here.)

My Two Cents

Our practice, Williamson Eye Center, has a robust EHR system that offers patients incredible access to their records via a patient portal. Countless times each day, we let our patients know that all their records are available for viewing at any time through the portal. This allows great medicine and enables our patients to take a more active role in their health care.

CAN YOU RELATE

Spring cleaning isn’t necessarily limited to your home. It can also apply to other things you use each day that may be littered with things that are no longer useful. Take your phone, for example. This past weekend, I spent a few minutes going through my iPhone deleting unused apps to clear up some space. It reminded me of an article that I wrote during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which described some of the apps I enjoy having on my phone to help me practice.

Fast forward some 3 years later, and I’m still using Eye Handbook nearly every day. I use the various calculators too often to count, and the “news” tab to helps me stay up to date on developments around the world. I also peruse the Ocular Disease Handbook and the AAO Ophthalmic Education apps to satisfy my inner nerd. Both are great for looking at those challenging cases that might present, but the latter is especially wonderful for keeping up on the latest advances in eye care.

Remember: Technology should be our ally in daily practice. It should allow us to be more productive and proficient. By keeping an open mind on how to incorporate these things into our existence, we can make everyone’s lives easier.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

—Warren Buffet