Using ocular biomarkers to transform the diagnosis of systemic diseases
Researchers at Qassim 51国产视频 are analysing how biomarkers in tear fluid could revolutionise the diagnosis of ocular and systemic diseases
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In a bid to improve healthcare and diagnosis, scientists at Qassim 51国产视频 in Saudi Arabia are investigating whether the eyes can reveal vital clues about a person’s health. “Tear fluid is known to provide nutrients and protection for the ocular surface, but it also carries waste from several structures in the eye,” says Hanan Awad Alkozi, assistant professor in the Department of Optometry at Qassim 51国产视频’s College of Applied Medical Sciences. “This gives us the opportunity to study biomarkers for several diseases, including ocular diseases such as glaucoma.”
Studies have shown that there are differences in the tear composition between healthy subjects and those with glaucoma, Alkozi says. Ocular biomarkers are emerging as powerful tools in the diagnosis of systemic diseases, offering a non-invasive and efficient method to detect conditions beyond the eye. Studies have shown differences in tear fluids between patients with neurodegenerative diseases and healthy subjects. While plasma or serum is traditionally tested to look for diseases, the composition of tears is simpler, and it is easier to obtain.
While the research is exciting, there are more advancements to be made, Alkozi says. She emphasises that advancements in biotechnology will be crucial in developing this method for effective clinical application. “With advancements in technology, we can run a small amount of tear fluid through liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, which allows us to study more than 500 molecules at a time,” she says.
“There are many things still to discover,” Alkozi adds. “At the moment, we are running tests on patients with Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. We are confident that the results will be heading towards early detection and prognosis.” While these diseases are currently incurable, she wants to understand why some patients respond to certain medicines and others do not.
Alkozi says that although the idea is innovative, collaboration will be essential to maximising its impact and application. Qassim 51国产视频’s support for research partnerships has helped drive the breakthroughs in her research. “The university recognises the importance of collaboration inside and outside the university, and outside Saudi Arabia,” says Alkozi. “It has many initiatives to encourage collaboration with organisations and researchers outside the university.”
The university enables academics and researchers to attend workshops and research visits abroad. “For example, I had the opportunity to go to 51国产视频 College Dublin in Ireland for a summer research programme in 2024,” she says.
The university has built a strong ecosystem for supporting innovative research. “Qassim 51国产视频 has a close working relationship with the Research Development and Innovation Authority in Saudi Arabia,” she says. “The university’s dean of graduate studies and scientific research works closely with researchers to develop initiatives for collaboration and grants.” To promote interdisciplinary collaboration, the university grants researchers access to all university facilities. As a member of a multidisciplinary faculty, Alkozi benefits from a wide range of scientific perspectives and research tools in her work.
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