Resveratrol May Help Protect Vision

Angiogenesis is the process by which the body forms new blood vessels from existing blood vessels. It is essential to growth and wound healing, however it is also plays a role in tumor formation and development of certain eye diseases. In these situations, angiogenesis demonstrates abnormal development of blood vessels that, in the case of certain tumors, allow for rapid growth of the tumor. Similarly, angiogenesis in the eye can destroy tissues essential to sight, such as the retina or macula.

A new study from eye researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, has found that resveratrol may inhibit harmful angiogenesis in the eye, potentially improving eye health. Angiogenesis in the eye is responsible for two of the most widespread forms of eye disease that lead to blindness: age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy.

AMD is the deterioration if the macula, part of the central retina. This deterioration results in a loss of the central vision, leaving only peripheral vision. It is the leading cause of blindness in the Western world among individuals over the age of 55. It affects some 25 to 30 million people worldwide, but that number is expected to triple with the aging Baby Boomer generation.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease in people with diabetes and has become the leading cause of adult blindness in American adults age 18+. Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina most commonly caused by blood vessels growing into the retina.

For the study, the researchers looked at mice that had abnormal angiogenesis in the retina, caused by a laser treatment. The researchers analyzed the extent of the damage and new vascular growth in the retina. After the assessment, the mice were administered a daily oral dose of resveratrol. Very quickly the abnormal blood vessels began to disappear. They fond that resveratrol not only corrected the abnormal growth but coud prevent it from occurring. The researchers studied the affected blood vessel cells and found that the resveratrol benefit came through a biological pathway called the eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF2) regulated pathway. In a press release about the study the researchers stated that they believe "the pathway may be involved both in age-related eye disease and in other diseases where angiogenesis plays a destructive role."

The researchers noted that the ease of oral administration and absorption of resveratrol potentially make it an ideal treatment option for some individuals (current treatments involve eye injections), but more researcher will need to be conducted. This study looked at the effects of resveratrol on the eyes of mice, not humans. Additionally, the model used to cause the angiogenesis is not identical to disease development in human eyes.

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound found in, among other things, grape skins and red wine. Recent studies have tied resveratrol to longer life, enhanced athletic performance, reduced risk of colorectal and prostate cancer, and reduced inflammation. Learn more about resveratrol here.

1. Khan, A. A., D. S. Dace, et al. (2010). "Resveratrol regulates pathologic angiogenesis by a eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase-regulated pathway." Am J Pathol 177(1): 481-92.