AMPK mTOR sirtuins glaucoma

AMPK mTOR sirtuins glaucoma

AMPK, mTOR, and sirtuins are three important cellular regulators that control energy use, growth, and repair inside cells, and researchers are exploring their role in diseases like glaucoma. AMPK acts like a fuel gauge, turning on protective processes when energy is low and promoting recycling of damaged cell parts. mTOR is a master switch for growth and protein production that can suppress repair systems when it is overly active. Sirtuins are proteins that help manage stress responses and DNA repair, and they often work when cells are conserving resources. In the context of glaucoma, these pathways influence the survival of retinal ganglion cells and the health of the optic nerve, which are the structures damaged in the disease. Imbalances in energy, increased inflammation, reduced recycling of damaged components, or faulty stress responses can make nerve cells more vulnerable to pressure or blood-flow problems in the eye. Because of that, drugs or nutrients that activate AMPK or sirtuins or that moderate mTOR activity are being investigated for their potential to protect nerve cells and slow vision loss. Some existing drugs and natural compounds are known to affect these systems, but most of the evidence for benefit in glaucoma comes from laboratory and early clinical studies. These pathways are promising because they offer approaches beyond simply lowering eye pressure, but they also carry risks since altering fundamental cell controls can have broad effects. More careful research and clinical trials are needed to know which interventions are safe and effective for people with glaucoma. In the meantime, discussing new therapies or supplements with an eye specialist is important before trying them.