A recent study by St George’s University and others has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of genetics and eye health.
The researchers found 119 areas in our genetic makeup that influence the size and shape of blood vessels in the retina, located at the back of the eye.
This discovery is significant as it links the twisting of these blood vessels to higher risks of high blood pressure and heart disease.
The back of the eye offers a unique opportunity for medical analysis. High-resolution digital images can easily be captured, revealing the retina and its blood vessels and nerves.
These images are more than just snapshots of eye health; they provide a glimpse into the body’s overall condition. The blood vessels in the eye can mirror those in other parts of the body, making them valuable for research.
Prior studies have shown that the characteristics of retinal blood vessels are associated with various health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
However, the role of genetics in determining the architecture of these blood vessels was not well understood until now.
In their research, the team analyzed retinal images from nearly 53,000 participants in the UK Biobank study.
They employed artificial intelligence (AI) to differentiate between arteries and veins in the images and to measure the blood vessels’ width and their twisting and turning.
Using a genome-wide association study (GWAS), the researchers then looked for common DNA patterns among people with similar blood vessel characteristics. This was done using genetic data from 52,798 UK Biobank members.
The results were striking: they identified 119 genome sections related to the shape and size of retinal blood vessels, a record in such studies. Notably, 89 of these genetic regions were associated with arterial twisting.
The degree of twisting and turning in the retinal arteries was the most genetically influenced trait identified. Moreover, increased twisting was linked to higher diastolic blood pressure (the pressure in arteries when the heart rests between beats) and heart disease.
This research, led by Professor Christopher Owen and published in PLOS Genetics, provides crucial genetic insights into the relationship between eye health and cardiovascular conditions.
It opens new avenues for understanding and potentially treating high blood pressure and heart disease. The discovery that our genes strongly influence the physical characteristics of retinal blood vessels underscores the intricate connection between genetics and overall health.
For those interested in blood pressure and heart health, related studies have explored connections between frequent napping and high blood pressure and the potential benefits of beetroot juice for lowering blood pressure.
Additionally, research has linked zinc to a lower death risk in heart disease and shown that intensive blood pressure control can reduce the risk of heart muscle damage.
If you care about health, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and vitamin D supplements strongly reduce cancer death.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about plant nutrient that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
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