Experimental Medication Targets Protein Linking Hypoglycemia to Diabetic Vision Damage

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have uncovered vital insights into how low blood sugar episodes, or hypoglycemia, contribute to diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. In a recent study published in Science Translational Medicine, scientists demonstrated that hypoglycemia can facilitate the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier—a crucial boundary that maintains retinal health—by increasing levels of the protein hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) within the retina.

The study focused on diabetic mice and revealed that during hypoglycemic episodes, diabetic subjects exhibited elevated HIF levels in retinal cells, triggering processes that weaken the integrity of blood vessels in the eye. This detrimental effect promotes leakage and overgrowth of abnormal blood vessels, which are hallmark features of diabetic retinopathy and can cause irreversible blindness if unaddressed.

Importantly, the researchers evaluated an experimental drug called 32-134D, designed to inhibit HIF activity. In diabetic mice treated with 32-134D prior to induced hypoglycemia, HIF levels remained controlled, preventing the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier and subsequent blood vessel leakage. This indicates that targeting HIF could be a promising approach to mitigate or prevent the progression of diabetic eye disease.

The findings provide a biological explanation for why individuals with diabetes often experience worsening eye conditions during periods of fluctuating blood sugar levels, especially episodes of hypoglycemia. Dr. Akrit Sodhi, a senior author of the study, emphasized that therapies aimed at HIF may offer new hope for preventing diabetic retinopathy.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to explore further the therapeutic potential of HIF inhibitors and hopes to advance clinical trials of 32-134D in patients with diabetic retinopathy. This breakthrough offers a new avenue for intervention in the battle against diabetic vision loss, emphasizing the importance of stable blood sugar control and innovative treatments in preserving eye health.

For more information, see the full study in Science Translational Medicine: [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adq5355]. Source: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.