Nicotinamide Riboside Preserves Retinal Cells and Mitochondrial Function in Glucocorticoid-Induced Glaucomae: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Glucocorticoid-induced glaucoma (GIG) is a common side effect of steroid use that can cause blindness by damaging the eye's trabecular meshwork (TM), raising eye pressure, and killing retinal cells. This study tested whether nicotinamide riboside (NR) could protect the TM. In lab-grown human TM cells and mice treated with steroids, NR boosted NAD+ levels, reduced harmful buildup of extracellular matrix proteins, and improved cell function. NR also protected mitochondria, keeping energy production normal and lowering harmful reactive oxygen species. In mice, NR partially prevented high eye pressure and retinal cell loss while reducing TM damage. These results suggest that NR could be a promising treatment for preventing or slowing GIG.

Journal

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science