Antioxidants (2005, 2007, 2011, 2021, 2023) & Leber's

Learn more about Leber's.

2023

A 2023 review of studies discusses Q10 (CoQ10) neuroprotective effects against neuronal damage. Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), a neuronal disease with an acute/subacute painless loss of central vision, was included in the discussion. CoQ10, an anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant, exerts it neuroprotective effect through its role in energy production and mitochondria stabilization.

2021

This 2021 review of studies summarizes a growing body of findings that suggest redox (reduction-oxidation chemical reaction in which the oxidation states of the reactants change) imbalance and oxidative stress to be consistent among optic neuropathies (characterized by damage to the optic nerve). Discussion is provided of oxidation, the retina, retinal ganglion cells (RGC) which form the optic nerve, and the pathophysiology and progression of glaucoma among other optic neuropathies. The researchers recommend further investigation into the role of oxidative stress toward therapeutic developments to prevent vision loss.

Sanz-Morello B, Ahmadi H, Vohra R, Saruhanian S, Freude KK, et al. (2021). Oxidative Stress in Optic Neuropathies. Antioxidants (Basel). Sep 28;10(10):1538.

A 2001 small-case study showed quick improvement to visual acuity after 4 months of CoQ10 supplementation, but an earlier study did not find improvement of visual acuity. More research was recommended. Though inherently produced in the body, CoQ10 levels in the brain and tissues diminish with age, but they are found in supplements and foods. CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone, ubidecarenone, CoQ10, CoQ, or Q10.

Bagheri S, Haddadi R, Saki S, Kourosh-Arami M, Rashno M, et al. (2023). Neuroprotective effects of coenzyme Q10 on neurological diseases: a review article. Front Neurosci. Jun 23;17:1188839.

2005, 2007, 2011

A number of studies associate antioxidants with improvements in the treatment of eye disease, particular conditions of the optic nerve such as Leber's.

These provide some potential lines of future research in looking at treatment for Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON).

These studies include:

Providing nerve cell stability and reducing free radical damage due to toxins including environmental toxins, smoking, and alcohol abuse. These anti-oxidants include vitamins and natural plant extracts, such as Vitamins A, C & E, Co- Ginkgo biloba, curcumin (tumeric).¹

A metabolite of vitamin E is Alpha-tocotrienol-quinone which has some reversing-symptoms benefit in trials in early onset vision loss.2

Other treatments, such as brimonidine, are under consideration in protection of the optic nerve with mixed results.³

Finally, gene therapy has been used experimentally.

Footnotes:

1. Ritch R. 2007. Natural compounds: evidence for a protective role in eye disease. Can J Ophthalmol. 2007 Jun;42(3):425-38

2. Shrader, W. D.; Amagata, A.; Barnes, A.; Enns, G. M.; Hinman, A.; Jankowski, O.; Kheifets, V.; Komatsuzaki, R. et al. 2011. Alpha-Tocotrienol quinone modulates oxidative stress response and the biochemistry of aging. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 21 (12): 3693-3698

3. Newman NJ, Biousse V, David R, Bhatti MT, Hamilton SR, Farris BK, Lesser RL, Newman SA, Turbin RE, Chen K, Keaney RP. 2005. Prophylaxis for second eye involvement in leber hereditary optic neuropathy: an open-labeled, non-randomized multicenter trial of topical brimonidine purite. Am J Ophthalmol. Sep;140(3):407-15