AdipoR1 (Adiponectin receptor one protein) is expressed as one of the main enzymes regulating ceramide homeostasis in the retina. It is present in various organs and is the largest concentration seen in the eye and brain. The statement implies that it plays a vital role in these neural tissues. Photoreceptor cell and retinal pigment epithelium degeneration cause several progressive retinal diseases. Treatment options for many of these disorders are either ineffective or nonexistent. New therapeutic techniques are urgently needed to fight these illnesses and reduce eyesight loss.
A recent study has revealed that ceramides accumulate in the retina without AdipoR1. This leads to vision loss and photoreceptor cell death. The findings highlight the importance of AdipoR1 ceramides in the retina. The study could significantly contribute to the
Retinitis Pigmentosa Treatment Market. This suggests that pharmacological reduction of ceramide production can help treat patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa or AdipoR1-related retinopathies.
The team also found that Desipramine and L-cycloserine can also lower ceramide levels. It was noted that they also protected photoreceptors, helped retain the structure and function of the retina, and enhanced eyesight.
Ceramide deficiency affects the neuronal retina and the pigmented epithelium of the retina. The findings show a significant inflammatory response, decreased retinoid content in the retina, lower electroretinogram amplitudes, and reduced cone opsin expression.
The team also noticed photoreceptor death that was likely caused due to an accumulation of ceramides in the retina. According to the researchers, the condition arose due to a lack of ceramidase activity. Ceramide levels were lowered in mice given a mixture of L-cycloserine and desipramine, which aided in photoreceptor protection.
The researchers also noticed some other benefits of the treatment. It enhanced daytime vision in the L-cycloserine-treated mice while also increasing electrical responses of the primary visual cortex to visual stimuli after a long period of therapy.
Ceramides are necessary for the maintenance of eukaryotic cell membranes. It also operates as signaling molecules in cell death, cell cycle arrest, inflammation, and heat shock response pathways.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, multiple sclerosis, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer have all been linked to ceramide imbalance.
Noninvasive pharmaceutical treatment is more accessible to perform than gene therapy in people. The proposed pharmacological technique could be employed to treat a wide range of neurodegenerative illnesses induced by high ceramide levels.