The role of iron in diabetic eye disease
Iron and Diabetic Retinopathy
This study is looking at how too much iron in the eye might make diabetic retinopathy worse, which is a condition that can affect your vision if you have diabetes, and it hopes to find ways to help protect your eyes from damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10767304 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how excess iron accumulation in the retina affects the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common complication of diabetes that can lead to vision loss. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which iron influences the production of ketone bodies, which are important for cell survival, and how this process may contribute to inflammation and cell death in the retina. By employing a combination of computational and experimental strategies, researchers will explore potential therapeutic targets to mitigate the effects of iron in diabetic patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with diabetes and are at risk for diabetic retinopathy.
Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or those who do not have any signs of diabetic retinopathy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting iron accumulation in diabetic retinopathy is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding the role of metabolic factors in diabetic complications.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Saint Louis University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gnana-Prakasam, Jaya Pranava — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Gnana-Prakasam, Jaya Pranava
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.