Assessment of an in vitro physiological relevant model to check therapeutic strategies for glaucoma

Abstract

Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive and heterogeneous optic neuropathy which affects in the early stage the peripheral vision and then the central vision, leading to irreversible blindness. As known, in glaucoma the trabecular meshwork represent the main tissue which is impaired by chronic oxidative stress, aging and increase of intraocular pressure. Today, the lack of human-based models, with characteristics of high repeatability and reproducibility as well, called for an high-quality in vitro model with a good degree of resemblance for the tissue or organ of interest as a basis for new drug testing. Our team has been committed to this purpose by assessment of an in vitro 3D TM human-based model, closer to in vivo, using millifluidic technology, to better identify the key events underlying the pathogenesis of glaucoma and to evaluate new therapies targeted at disease treatment and prevention.