A Novel Use of Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators to Treat Glaucoma

Continuous degeneration of vision is not uncommon in glaucoma patients; despite the intraocular pressure maintaining normal levels. Among various types of immune cells, microglial activation has been known as an early responsive immune cell in glaucoma disease. Recently, unsaturated fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA)-derived specialized pro-resolving mediators have been shown to resolve inflammation and protect against neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and spinal cord injury. In this proposal, we will investigate the role of DHA-derived specialized pro-resolving mediators in suppressing microglial activation, promoting neuronal survival and vision in mouse models of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. This study aims to identify a novel molecule that would suppress immune inflammation and lead to protect the retinal ganglion cells from death and preserve vision. Further, this study will identify potent specialized pro-resolving mediators that would suppress neuroinflammation and investigate its neuroprotection effect in mouse models of glaucoma. The proposed study will shed light on the development of a novel approach to treat glaucoma.