Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Therapy Helps Reverse Age-Related Vision Decline in Mice

Age-related changes in vision are common, but new research suggests that targeted nutritional therapy may have the potential to reverse some aspects of visual deterioration. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Irvine, in collaboration with the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Medical University of Potsdam, has demonstrated promising results using polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to improve vision in aging mice.

The research team, led by associate professor Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk, explored how the decline in vision correlates with changes in lipid metabolism within the retina, particularly focusing on very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs) and the role of the ELOVL2 gene. ELOVL2 encodes an enzyme integral to the synthesis of VLC-PUFAs, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is essential for retinal health.

Previous work indicated that increasing ELOVL2 gene expression boosts DHA levels and enhances visual function in older mice. In the current study, the researchers bypassed the need for ELOVL2 by directly injecting aged mice with specific PUFAs. Results showed that this lipid supplementation improved visual acuity and reversed some aging features in the retina. Interestingly, the study found that DHA alone did not produce the same effects, highlighting the importance of other fatty acids in maintaining ocular health.

Moreover, genetic analyses revealed variants in the ELOVL2 gene that are associated with faster progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), providing a genetic link between lipid metabolism and disease risk. These findings open possibilities for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies tailored to individual genetic profiles.

Beyond vision, the study's insights extend to systemic aging, as disrupted lipid metabolism has implications for immune system aging and other age-related conditions. Collaborations with UC San Diego suggest that lipid supplementation could potentially support immune health and combat age-related immune decline.

Overall, this research underscores the potential of lipid-based therapies for age-related diseases, emphasizing that specific fatty acids, apart from DHA, may hold key roles in combating aging processes in the eye and possibly other systems. The findings pave the way for future studies aimed at developing targeted nutritional interventions to preserve vision and support healthy aging.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-polyunsaturated-fatty-acid-therapy-reverses.html