Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 26, 2025 22 hours, 41 minutes ago
Medical News: Breakthrough Discovery in Eye Disease Research
Scientists from the University of Missouri-Columbia have uncovered two naturally occurring molecules that could change the way glaucoma is detected and treated. Glaucoma, a major cause of irreversible blindness, occurs when damage to the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) gradually erodes vision. While existing treatments can help reduce eye pressure, they cannot stop or reverse the nerve damage. This new research offers hope for developing early detection methods and therapies that could protect vision.
Agmatine and Thiamine Found to Hold Promise for Glaucoma Treatment
In this
Medical News report, the research team led by Dr. Pawan Singh, Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, has identified two key molecules—agmatine and thiamine—that were found in lower levels in glaucoma patients. These molecules, known as metabolites, play important roles in maintaining healthy nerve cells in the eye.
New Insights from Metabolomic Profiling
Using advanced metabolomics analysis on the eye fluid (aqueous humor) from patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, researchers compared samples from 19 glaucoma patients and 10 healthy individuals. Out of 135 natural compounds identified, 31 metabolites were significantly altered in those with glaucoma. These molecules were linked to vital cell functions such as energy metabolism, mitochondrial activity, and inflammation control. The two most striking changes were reductions in agmatine—a polyamine that supports nerve communication—and thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, which is essential for nerve energy production.
Promising Neuroprotective Effects
To confirm their importance, Singh’s team tested the molecules in both lab-grown cells and live mouse models. When agmatine and thiamine were given directly into the eye or through specially designed microscopic vesicles, they significantly reduced inflammation and protected retinal cells from damage. These findings suggest the two compounds could one day be developed into eye drops or supplements to slow or prevent vision loss in glaucoma.
Dr. Singh emphasized that early detection remains key. He envisions that one day doctors might screen for these biomarkers with a simple blood test, allowing earlier diagnosis and treatment before irreversible damage occurs. The University of Missouri’s strong research infrastructure and collaboration between ophthalmology and molecular science departments have been instrumental in advancing this work.
Hope for the Future of Glaucoma Care
The discovery of agmatine and thiamine’s neuroprotective role is an exciting step toward tackling glaucoma’s root causes, not just its symptoms. By reducing inflammation and supporting nerve health, these small molecules could pave the way for treatments that preserve sight for millions of people worldwide.
The study also highlights the impor
tance of metabolomics—studying the body’s chemical fingerprints—to uncover early biomarkers for chronic diseases. While larger clinical trials are still needed, the findings provide a foundation for new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies that could redefine glaucoma management.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2802996
For the latest on glaucoma, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/glaucoma-news
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/ophthalmology-(eye-diseases)
Share
Tweet
Share
