The role of lipid metabolism disorder in the progression and treatment of ocular vascular diseases.

Abstract

Lipid metabolism plays a critical role in maintaining normal physiological functions and is strongly linked to the pathogenesis of ocular vascular diseases. We examine how disorders of lipid metabolism drive progression in ocular vascular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular occlusive diseases, and retinopathy of prematurity. These disorders are classified as a related group due to their common feature of impaired ocular vascularization. Glaucoma has also been increasingly recognized as a condition resulting from both retinal and choroidal blood flow abnormalities, with shared lipid metabolism disturbances contributing to its pathogenesis. Lipid components such as fatty acids may exacerbate retinal and choroidal damage by promoting neovascularization and inflammatory responses. Additionally, lipid metabolic dysregulation negatively influences the retinal and choroidal microenvironment by increasing oxidative stress and inhibiting autophagy. We also discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting lipid metabolism, highlighting their potential in preventing or mitigating ocular vascular diseases. These include lipid-modulating agents and their use in combination with established therapies. Understanding the influence of lipid metabolism on the pathophysiology of these diseases could pave the way for the development of novel treatment approaches. These advancements hold potential to improve visual prognosis in patients with ocular vascular diseases. Identifying the specific roles and molecular targets associated with lipid metabolism in ocular vascular diseases will offer valuable insights into disease mechanisms. This knowledge will lay the groundwork for personalized and more effective clinical interventions.