Archive for the ‘Macular Degeneration’ Category
Alternative to Using Viruses for Gene Therapy Breakthrough!
08.23.2010In a recent study conducted at Tufts University, researchers demonstrated that non-viral gene therapy can delay the onset of retinal degeneration of the eye and preserve vision. Small DNA carriers known as nanoparticles containing GDNF (Glial Cell Line-Derived Neutrophic Factor) were injected into the retinas of mice subjects and the responses were monitored. GDNF is a protein that protects the photoreceptor cells of the retina. Seven days after injection, the treated mice exhibited less retinal damage and better vision than the controls. However, the retinal protection provided by the treatment dwindled soon after, as no difference in vision between the two groups was present two weeks after treatment.
GDNF Protein expression
Previously, gene therapy has been carried out using viruses. Viruses are very efficient in delivering DNA to cells in vivo, but they can provoke immune responses that can lead to inflammation and other setbacks. Using nanopoarticles as part of non-viral gene therapy is a safer option that avoids these complications. The next step is to find ways to retain the retinal protection, as the ameliorative effects offered by the discussed treatment are currently short-lived.
Nevertheless, this study makes an important leap in finding ways to delay the onset of degenerative retinal diseases in humans, such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
Brian Krawitz
Staff Writer
Make sure you take the right Omega-3 fatty acids that benefit eye health?
08.04.2010People who consume fatty fish regularly tend to have lower rates of AMD than people who do not. A new study reported in the professional journal, Ophthalmology supports previously reported evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the onset or slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Oily fish like salmon, mackerel and albacore tuna are rich in these omega-3 fatty acids.
Researchers studied data from 2,520 adults aged 65 to 84 who underwent eye exams and completed extensive dietary questionnaires. Those study participants who consumed at least one serving of fish a week were 60 percent less likely to have advanced AMD than those who ate less than one serving a week.
While researchers were unable to establish a definitive relationship between the participants’ reported intake of fish and the risk of AMD, they were able to link a higher intake of omega-3-rich fish and the risk of advanced AMD.
Currently, a new government clinical trial is evaluating whether adding fish oil and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin to prescribed supplements for vision will bring additional benefits to patients. VisiVite Premier Ocular Formula No. 2 contains Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Zinc, Copper and high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids.*
Andrea Schumann
Staff Writer
Implantable Eye Telescope Receives FDA Approval
07.26.2010The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Implantable Miniature Telescope for treating patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This visual prosthetic device is the first of its kind and will aid those patients with the most advanced form of AMD which is the leading cause of blindness in America’s senior citizens.
This revolutionary telescope implant is designed to improve the visual acuity of the patient. End-stage AMD causes the patient to suffer severe to profound central vision loss in both eyes. The Implantable Miniature Telescope reduces the impact of the blind spot caused by end-stage AMD.
Created by Dr. Isaac Lipshitz, the Implantable Miniature Telescope is smaller than a pea and is implanted in one eye. The telescope delivers enlarged central vision images over a large area of the retina to enhance central vision. Peripheral vision is provided by the non-operated eye.
The approval of this device adds a new treatment option for those suffering from the devastating effects of end-stage AMD.*
Andrea Schumann
Staff Writer
Yellow Flowers Held the Key to Treatment of Eye Disease, This Pioneer Discovered
07.16.2010A pioneer in the fight against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has passed away. Rod Ausich was the inventor who discovered that Lutein could be a powerful tool in preventing AMD.
Dr. Ausich was a scientist and executive at Kemin Industries and created FloraGLO Lutein. FloraGLO Lutein is the premier Lutein used exclusively in all VisiVite ocular nutritional formulas. Lutein helps reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and is derived from the petals of marigold petals.
At the time of the discovery, Mr. Ausich was working as the Research and Development director for the agriculture unit of Kemin Industries. Rod was asked to research the possibility of using Lutein as a food colorant. Rod quickly realized the potential that Lutein could have on vision health. It took two years to bring Lutein into commercial production.
Ausich joined Kemin in 1994 as as the Director of Research and Development for Kemin Industries. He was president of Kemin Health, a division of Kemin Industries, until late 2009, when his health began to worsen.
“Rod was a true pioneer in the fight against blindness caused by AMD,” Chris Nelson, Kemin Industries president and CEO, said in a statement. “A founding father of Kemin Health, his leadership and guidance led Kemin Health to become a preeminent supplier of lutein worldwide. Millions of people have benefited from his work and his legacy will be remembered by many.”*
Andrea Schumann
Staff Writer
Sugar junkies more likely to get macular degeneration
07.12.2010The admonition that “we are what we eat” has been repeated down through the years. What we eat can protect us from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as well. A recent study finds that a regular diet of both protective nutrients and foods with a low-glycemic index can prevent AMD.
The powerhouse nutrients which were found to provide the most protection are vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and DHA. These nutrients in combination with the “slow carb” diet seemed to lower the risk of developing AMD in those who participated in the study.
Researchers examined the diet and other data of more than 4,000 women and men, aged 55 to 80 who were participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). The intake of several nutrients was ranked and then a compound score was calculated to estimate their dietary effect on AMD. Associations between individual and combined dietary nutrients were evaluated through the scoring system as well.*
Andrea Schumann
Staff Writer
