Innovative Strategies for Managing Inflammatory Factors in Glaucoma

Impact of Th17/Treg Imbalance on Glaucoma Pathogenesis

The immune system’s balance between T helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) is critical in maintaining ocular health. Th17 cells promote inflammation, while Tregs are responsible for suppressing immune responses. An imbalance, with an increase in Th17 cells or a decrease in Tregs, is associated with the progression of glaucoma (Wu et al., 2025).

Studies have shown that elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines correlate with increased Th17 cell activity, contributing to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation (Wu et al., 2025). For instance, in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models, modulation of the Th17/Treg ratio has been shown to alleviate symptoms, indicating potential therapeutic avenues for glaucoma management (Wu et al., 2025).

Role of TNF-α and IL-6 in Glaucoma Inflammation

Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) are critical inflammatory mediators identified in the glaucomatous eye. TNF-α is known to disrupt trabecular meshwork function, impair aqueous humor outflow, and initiate apoptosis in RGCs, thereby exacerbating glaucoma (Lin & Li, 2025). IL-6 similarly contributes to elevated IOP by promoting inflammatory responses and damage to ocular tissues (Lin & Li, 2025).

Recent findings indicate that targeting these inflammatory factors may provide a dual benefit: alleviating inflammation while restoring normal IOP levels. Novel therapeutic approaches focusing on biologics that inhibit TNF-α and IL-6 may reduce the neuroinflammatory processes that underlie glaucoma pathology. For example, therapies that lower the levels of these cytokines in the aqueous humor could be pivotal in developing effective treatment regimens (Lin & Li, 2025).

Therapeutic Potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Glaucoma

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a promising adjunct to conventional glaucoma therapies. Formulations such as Sheng-Jiang Powder (SJP) have demonstrated efficacy in modulating the Th17/Treg balance and regulating inflammatory pathways associated with glaucoma (Wu et al., 2025).

In clinical models, SJP has been shown to alleviate symptoms of EAE by restoring the immune balance and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 (Wu et al., 2025). The integration of TCM into glaucoma management highlights the importance of personalized medicine approaches that consider both traditional and modern therapeutic modalities.

Advances in Biosensing Technologies for Glaucoma Monitoring

Recent advancements in biosensing technologies have revolutionized how we monitor glaucoma. The development of field-effect transistor (FET) biosensors, particularly those utilizing Xenes, has shown significant promise for real-time monitoring of inflammatory biomarkers in the glaucomatous eye (Wang et al., 2025). These biosensors exploit the unique properties of Xenes, such as their high surface area and conductivity, to achieve ultra-sensitive detection of biomolecules.

Table 1: Summary of Recent Advances in Biosensing Technologies

The sensitivity of these biosensors is crucial for detecting low concentrations of inflammatory markers, which is essential for timely interventions in glaucoma management. The use of machine learning algorithms to analyze data from these biosensors is also emerging, potentially enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes (Wang et al., 2025).

Conclusion

Innovative approaches to managing inflammatory factors in glaucoma are paving the way for improved patient outcomes. By addressing the Th17/Treg imbalance, targeting key inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, incorporating TCM therapies, and utilizing cutting-edge biosensing technologies, healthcare providers can offer more effective, personalized treatment strategies for glaucoma patients. Continued research efforts will be essential in refining these approaches and enhancing our understanding of the complex interplay between inflammation and glaucoma.

FAQ

What is the Th17/Treg imbalance, and why is it important in glaucoma?
The Th17/Treg imbalance refers to the dysregulation of helper T cells that promote inflammation (Th17) and regulatory T cells that suppress it (Tregs). This imbalance can lead to increased inflammation and damage to retinal cells, exacerbating glaucom How do TNF-α and IL-6 contribute to glaucoma?
TNF-α and IL-6 are inflammatory cytokines that disrupt normal aqueous humor outflow, promote inflammation, and can induce apoptosis in retinal ganglion cells, contributing to the progression of glaucom Can Traditional Chinese Medicine be effective for glaucoma?
Yes, Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly formulations like Sheng-Jiang Powder, has shown potential in modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation in glaucoma patients.

What role do biosensing technologies play in glaucoma management?
Biosensing technologies, such as FET biosensors using Xenes, allow for real-time monitoring of inflammatory biomarkers, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment adjustments in glaucoma management.

References

1. Lin, B., & Li, D. (2025). The pivotal role of inflammatory factors in glaucoma: a systematic review. Frontiers in Immunology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1577200

2. Wu, L., Xu, H., Xia, H., Peng, L., Qin, L., Gong, Q., Zhao, M., Wu, Z., & Zheng, Z. (2025). Sheng-Jiang Powder alleviates Th17/Treg immune imbalance of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by regulating the fatty acids metabolism. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S510620

3. Wang, H., Wang, C., Zhang, Y., Wang, Z., Zhu, Y., Wang, Y., Hong, X., Zhang, H., & Fan, N. (2025). Recent advances in Xenes based FET for biosensing applications. Advanced Science