Apr 25, 2017

Oral Pathogen Link to Nerve Damage in Glaucoma

The Public Library of Science has published a study which shows a direct relationship between some nerve damage to the optic nerve from Oral Pathogens.

 

 

"Conclusions

The above findings suggest that the oral microbiome contributes to glaucoma pathophysiology. A plausible mechanism by which increased bacterial loads can lead to neurodegeneration is provided by experiments in animal models of the disease and involves activation of microglia in the retina and optic nerve, mediated through TLR4 signaling and complement upregulation. The finding that commensal bacteria may play a role in the development and/or progression of glaucomatous pathology may also be relevant to other chronic neurodegenerative disorders.”