EXPLORING AQUAPORIN-4'S IMPACT ON VISUAL HEALTH AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE IN GLAUCOMA

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the role of Aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a key water channel protein in the ocular glymphatic system, in managing glaucoma, a condition potentially debilitating for athletic performance due to progressive vision loss caused by elevated intraocular pressure. Background: The ocular glymphatic system, a recently discovered drainage pathway, facilitates the removal of neurotoxic substances such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the eye, playing a crucial role in maintaining visual function. AQP4, predominantly expressed in the brain and ocular glymphatic system, is critical for water balance across these tissues. Its expression at the terminal pedicles of astrocytes underscores its potential in regulating fluid homeostasis in the central nervous system and the eye. Discussion: This paper explores the hypothesis that enhancing AQP4 function could improve CSF drainage in the ocular glymphatic system, offering a novel therapeutic avenue for athletes suffering from glaucoma. Given the importance of optimal visual acuity in sports, understanding and potentially modulating AQP4’s activity could lead to significant improvements in the treatment and management of glaucoma, thereby directly impacting athletes' performance and career longevity. Conclusion: AQP4 presents a promising target for therapeutic intervention in glaucoma, with potential benefits extending into sports medicine by helping preserve and enhance athletes’ visual health. Further research is essential to confirm AQP4’s efficacy in this role, suggesting a need for ongoing studies that link neurobiology, ophthalmology, and sports science to develop effective treatments for athlete-specific health challenges.