skip to content
Dovepress - Open Access to Scientific and Medical Research
View our mobile site

8799

Mitochondrial disorders and the eye

Review

(1128) Views  (408) Full article downloads

Authors: Van Bergen NJ, Chakrabarti R, O’Neill EC, Crowston JG, Trounce IA

Published Date September 2011 Volume 2011:3 Pages 29 - 47
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/EB.S16192

Nicole J Van Bergen, Rahul Chakrabarti, Evelyn C O'Neill, Jonathan G Crowston, Ian A Trounce
Centre for Eye Research Australia, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Abstract: The clinical significance of disturbed mitochondrial function in the eye has emerged since mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation was described in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. The spectrum of mitochondrial dysfunction has become apparent through increased understanding of the contribution of nuclear and somatic mtDNA mutations to mitochondrial dynamics and function. Common ophthalmic manifestations of mitochondrial dysfunction include optic atrophy, pigmentary retinopathy, and ophthalmoplegia. The majority of patients with ocular manifestations of mitochondrial disease also have variable central and peripheral nervous system involvement. Mitochondrial dysfunction has recently been associated with age-related retinal disease including macular degeneration and glaucoma. Therefore, therapeutic targets directed at promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and function offer a potential to both preserve retinal function and attenuate neurodegenerative processes.

Keywords: mitochondria, disease, retina, eye, aging, neuroprotection






Readers of this article also read:

New developments in the treatment of optic neuritis
Detection of retinal changes in Parkinson's disease with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography
Foveal and parafoveal retinal thickness in healthy pregnant women in their last trimester
Intraocular inflammation as the main manifestation of Rickettsia conorii infection
Comorbidity and confounding factors in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and sleep disorders in children
Electrospun PGA/gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds and their potential application in vascular tissue engineering
Breaking barriers: insight into the pathogenesis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Low-level light therapy of the eye and brain
The use of SD-OCT in the differential diagnosis of dots, spots and other white retinal lesions
Neuro-ophthalmic sarcoidosis
  • Testimonials

    "... I was impressed at the rapidity of publication from submission to final acceptance." Dr Edwin Thrower, PhD, Yale University