Gasdermin D regulates choroidal blood flow and axial elongation in high myopia and therapeutic potential of apigenin

Despite advancements in treatments such as atropine, the pathological changes in high myopia still lead to vision loss, highlighting the need to identify novel therapeutic targets. Clinically, axial elongation are closely related to reduced choroidal blood flow. This study revealed that the pyroptosis-associated protein Gasdermin D (GSDMD) may play a key role in high myopia. Experiments showed that chemical inhibition of GSDMD significantly reduced axial elongation and choroidal blood flow reduction. Furthermore, by screening pharmacologically active traditional Chinese medicine compounds, we identified that Artemisia argyi (Aiye) and its active ingredient apigenin act as effective GSDMD inhibitors, capable of replicating the protective effects observed with chemical inhibition. In all, this study suggests that GSDMD is a potential target mediating axial elongation and choroidal blood flow changes in high myopia, and apigenin is a potential therapeutic strategy for intervening in high myopia.