Researchers from Canada have discovered that examining the small blood vessels in the eyes can assist determine a person’s biological aging rate and heart disease risk.
Retinal scans may one day provide a noninvasive window into the body’s overall vascular health and biological ageing state, according to a study published in the journal Science Advances. This would open up new avenues for early identification and intervention.
“We have discovered molecular pathways that help explain how aging affects the vascular system by connecting retinal scans, genetics, and blood biomarkers,” said Marie Pigeyre, an associate professor at the Department of Medicine at McMaster University in Canada.
“The eye offers a special, non-invasive perspective on the circulatory system of the body. Pigeyre continued, “Changes in the retinal blood vessels frequently reflect changes in the body’s tiny vessels.
The researchers analyzed blood samples, genetic information, and retinal scans from more than 74,000 volunteers to carry out the study.
It was shown that those with simpler, fewer branched blood capillaries had a higher risk of cardiovascular illnesses and displayed biological aging symptoms including increased inflammation and a shorter lifetime.
Many tests are currently needed to evaluate age-related illnesses such dementia, heart disease, and stroke. Retinal scans alone may one day be a rapid, easily accessible method of evaluating cardiovascular risk and aging. But additional study is required.
The group also looked at genetic information and blood biomarkers to find possible biological reasons for alterations in the blood vessels in the eye. This enabled them to pinpoint two proteins—MMP12 and IgG-Fc receptor IIb—that may be responsible for aging and disease.
Both proteins are associated with vascular aging and inflammation. Future medications may target these proteins, according to Pigeyre.
“Our findings point to potential drug targets for slowing vascular ageing, reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases, and ultimately improving lifespan,” she stated.