International ophthalmology

A possible daily hormone pathway linking damage to light-sensitive eye cells in autoimmune eye disease to sexual problems

Updated

Abstract

Autoimmune Retinopathy (AIR) may affect circadian rhythms and sexual function through immune-mediated damage to specific retinal cells.

  • Circulating autoantibodies in AIR target retinal antigens, leading to retinal degeneration.
  • Retinal ganglion cells, including melanopsin-expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), may be involved in broader retinal dysfunction in AIR.
  • ipRGCs are crucial for regulating circadian rhythms and neuroendocrine functions.
  • Dysfunction in the ipRGC pathway has been linked to conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, which share mechanisms with AIR.
  • Disruption of circadian rhythms could influence testosterone secretion, melatonin production, and nitric oxide signaling, potentially contributing to erectile dysfunction.

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Competing interests

Declarations. Use of generative AI in the writing process: During the preparation of this work, the authors used AI tools for grammar correction and language refinement. After using this tool, the authors reviewed and edited the content as needed and take full responsibility for the content of the published article. Conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to this manuscript. No financial support, services, or third-party payments were received for any part of the work. The authors have no financial relationships, intellectual property interests, or affiliations that could be viewed as potential conflicts of interest. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Human or animal rights: This study did not involve any human or animal subjects; therefore, IRB approval and informed consent were not needed.
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