Journal Article Review Epublish
PubMed: 40565122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26125658
Pharmacological Strategies for Cataract Management: From Molecular Targets to Clinical Translation.
Int J Mol Sci 26(12)
Authors: Laura de Diego-García, Raquel Rejas-González, Ignacio Cereza Latre, Ana Guzman-Aranguez
Affiliations
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain.
- Chronic Disease Programme, UFIEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain.
Abstract
Cataracts, characterized by the opacification of the eye lens, remain a leading cause of reversible blindness globally. Age and diabetes are key risk factors, and with the increasing aging and diabetic population, the global burden of cataracts is projected to rise significantly. Current treatment is predominantly surgical; however, pharmacological strategies could offer a non-invasive alternative with the potential to delay, prevent, or even reverse cataract progression. Recent research has enhanced our understanding of cataractogenesis, emphasizing oxidative stress as a key underlying mechanism, but also including other processes such as calcium dysregulation and altered lens homeostasis or specific events induced by hyperglycemia in diabetic cataracts. New therapeutic approaches have emerged considering the molecular mechanisms involved in cataracts, most of which focus on pharmacological agents with antioxidant properties. Additionally, small-molecule chaperones, aldose reductase inhibitors, and protein aggregation inhibitors have also demonstrated potential in stabilizing or restoring lens protein structure and transparency. While experimental results have shown encouraging results, further research is needed to optimize drug delivery systems to the lens, assess long-term safety, and confirm the clinical efficacy of these treatments. This article reviews current progress in pharmacological treatments for cataracts, outlining challenges and prospects for future integration into clinical practice.
MeSH
Aging, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants, Pharmacology, Research, Therapeutics, Cataract