Alternate Day Fasting Slows Progression of Glaucoma in an Animal Model

Calorie restriction is here demonstrated to slow the progression of glaucoma in a mouse model of the condition, without affecting the rising pressure inside the eye that is usually the cause of harm. It is an interesting demonstration of the way in which the shifts in cellular metabolism that occur with calorie restriction prime cells to be more resistant to a range of stresses that typically cause significant amounts of cell death:

Glaucoma is characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. We previously reported that loss of glutamate transporters (EAAC1 or GLAST) in mice leads to RGC degeneration that is similar to normal tension glaucoma and these animal models are useful in examining potential therapeutic strategies. Caloric restriction has been reported to increase longevity and has potential benefits in injury and disease. Here we investigated the effects of every-other-day fasting (EODF), a form of caloric restriction, on glaucomatous pathology in EAAC1-/- mice.

EODF suppressed RGC death and retinal degeneration without altering intraocular pressure. Moreover, visual impairment was ameliorated with EODF, indicating the functional significance of the neuroprotective effect of EODF. Several mechanisms associated with this neuroprotection were explored. We found that EODF upregulated blood β-hydroxybutyrate levels and increased histone acetylation in the retina. Furthermore, it elevated retinal mRNA expression levels of neurotrophic factors and catalase, whereas it decreased oxidative stress levels in the retina. Our findings suggest that EODF, a safe, non-invasive, and low-cost treatment, may be available for glaucoma therapy.

Link: https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep33950

Comments

After a 7 day water fast cleared up so many issues I was having, from thin skin in spots on my body, shoulder and elbow pain that several cortisone injections didn't treat, constant sneezing from allergies, relief from fatigue and incredible mental clarity - I'm thinking we need more research on how it stimulates autophagy and produces results.

Posted by: bmack500 at October 1st, 2016 3:22 AM

Hello,

I myself have experienced significant improvements in my health and well being with just a 3 day water fast. As soon as I got off the water fast I started feeling bad again.

Posted by: Taz at December 30th, 2017 10:59 PM

Thank you so much for this feedback. I've had glaucoma for over 20 years I'm tired of drops bid. I'm going to fast.

Posted by: Faith Gero at July 9th, 2019 5:48 PM
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