Scientific Seminar

Lipids and the retina: from the transport of dietary lipids in the blood to a personalized approach to the nutritional prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Lipids play a central role in the retina, both structurally and functionally, as well as in the mechanisms associated with retinopathies. Within the Eye & Nutrition team, we conduct translational research that closely links fundamental science with clinical application. Epidemiological studies show that a high dietary intake of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly DHA, significantly reduces the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as well as its progression to advanced stages. Low levels of DHA in the retinas of affected patients confirm its protective role. However, accurately assessing individual exposure to omega-3 PUFAs and retinal DHA status remains challenging.

To improve personalized prevention, and based on fundamental research dedicated to the blood transport of dietary lipids, the team has identified reliable blood biomarkers that are strongly correlated with retinal DHA. These biomarkers, identified as part of an ANR project, make it possible to estimate the dietary risk of AMD with greater accuracy than overall omega-3 measurements.

Patented in France, Japan, and the United States, they are now being used by a startup in a personalized AMD risk assessment platform. To facilitate their large-scale use, a simplified method of finger-prick sampling and targeted analysis has been developed and validated.

At the same time, an expanded analysis of 21 nutrients linked to retinal health, in connection with the Mediterranean diet, is currently being integrated. This whole approach is part of a transdisciplinary and evolving process aimed at refining pathological thresholds and enriching the predictive model using artificial intelligence to offer truly personalized nutritional strategies.

Acar N, Merle BMJ, Ajana S, He Z, Grégoire S, Hejblum BP, Martine L, Buaud B, Bron AM, Creuzot-Garcher CP, Korobelnik JF, Berdeaux O, Jacqmin-Gadda H, Bretillon L, Delcourt C; Biomarkers of Lipid Status And metabolism in Retinal ageing (BLISAR) Study Group. Predicting the retinal content in omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular-degeneration. Clin Transl Med. 2021 Jul;11(7):e404. doi: 10.1002/ctm2.404

Niyazi's talk will start at 11:30am and will take place in the conference room.

Niyazi is INRAE researcher and is co-leader of the "oeil et nutrition" team.

Starting at 11 a.m., the speaker and staff will meet for tea/coffee and pastries.