The analysis of retinal images, combined with that of genetic data, can help predict the risk of contracting a neuropsychiatric, cardiac, metabolic or pulmonary disease, according to research published in the journal Science Translational Medicine by the international Massachusetts Eye and Ear center. and from the Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University.
Some genetic characteristics of the retina have also been identified that could help develop tailored therapies.
“We demonstrate that retinal images can be used to predict the risk of both ocular and systemic disease,” says the study's first author, Seyedeh Maryam Zekavat.
"This result - she adds - could help in prevention".
Easy to reach non-invasively, the retina is capable of providing a much greater amount of information than previously thought possible, observes Nazlee Zebardast.
The indicator of diseases is in the thickness of the different layers of cells, of different types, which make up the retina.
The thickness measurements were then cross-referenced with data relating to approximately 45 thousand individuals between 40 and 70 years old, contained in the UK Biobank, the large British database which includes the largest wealth of genetic information.
The result made it possible to find correlations between the characteristics of the retina and the risk of contracting diseases.
The next step will be to extend the research to age groups not considered in this study, in order to have a complete picture.
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