Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the treatment of dry eye syndrome, a condition characterized by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species on the corneal surface, resulting in significant inflammation and dryness. Typically, the body uses antioxidants fueled by NADPH to neutralize these harmful substances. However, in chronic cases, NADPH levels become depleted. A collaborative research team from Singapore and China has identified a surprising remedy: they introduced components from plant cells into the eyes of mice. Specifically, they extracted thylakoids from spinach chloroplasts, which are responsible for producing NADPH when exposed to light. These thylakoids were encapsulated in nanoparticles measuring approximately 400 nanometers and were administered as eye drops. This innovative approach is not gene therapy; rather, it involves delivering a pre-fabricated "mini factory" directly into the eye without altering the DNA of the cells. The corneal cells absorbed these nanoparticles, triggering a limited form of photosynthesis under standard indoor lighting conditions. In experimental trials on mice, the eye drops successfully restored the cornea to a near-normal state within just five days, surpassing the effectiveness of current treatments. Additionally, laboratory analyses involving tear samples from individuals suffering from dry eye syndrome revealed that the treatment boosted NADPH levels by a remarkable 20 times while reducing hydrogen peroxide levels by over 95%. The team is now preparing to advance to human clinical trials, with expectations that the treatment will be cost-effective; they estimate that a single handful of spinach could yield enough eye drops for approximately 50 individuals for a month.
Informational material. 18+.