As individuals age, changes in eyesight are a common experience, often requiring increased light for reading or other activities. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) are investigating potential treatments that could reverse age-related vision decline. Their recent study, published in Science Translational Medicine, explores the effects of retinal polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on vision loss in mice.
Led by Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, an associate professor at UC Irvine, the research builds on previous findings related to the Elongation of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids Protein 2 (ELOVL2), a gene linked to aging. Earlier studies suggested that boosting ELOVL2 activity could enhance levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, thereby improving vision in aging mice. The current study aimed to achieve similar improvements without relying on ELOVL2.
The researchers discovered that injecting older mice with a specific polyunsaturated fatty acid resulted in enhanced visual performance, indicating the potential for lipid injections as a therapeutic option. Notably, the study found that DHA alone did not produce the same positive effects, suggesting that other fatty acids may play a more significant role in reversing age-related vision decline.
In addition to the vision-related findings, the researchers identified genetic variants in the ELOVL2 enzyme associated with accelerated progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This connection could lead to targeted interventions for individuals at higher risk of vision loss.
Furthermore, ongoing collaborations are exploring the role of lipid metabolism in immune system aging, with preliminary results indicating that ELOVL2 may also influence immune cell aging. Researchers express optimism that lipid supplementation could offer benefits beyond vision, potentially enhancing immune function as well.