 |
|
Low cholesterol cues cataract development
January 27, 2006Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Using a rat model of cataract formation, Masayuki Mori and researchers at Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan have now found a link between cataracts and cholesterol.
The study, appearing online on January 26 in advance of print publication in the February 2006 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation reports that a primary genetic defect in cataractogenesis is combined mutation of the lanosterol synthase (Lss) and farnesyl diphosphate farnesyl transferase 1 (Fdft1) genes, both of which function in cholesterol biosynthesis. Cataractous rats with these 2 gene mutations demonstrated reduced cholesterol levels in the eye lens and cerebral cortex, compared to wild-type rats. The researchers also identified a problem with specialized cells of the eye lens, known as epithelial cells.
These cells, which require cholesterol for proper development, normally form a thin, single layer across the lens and are responsible for maintaining the transparency of the lens. In cataracts, these cells fail to mature normally, and Mori's group now shows that epithelial cells of cataractous rats with mutations in Lss and Fdft1 also mature abnormally, suggesting that the defect in cholesterol synthesis alters proliferation of these cells and contributes to the lens becoming opaque.
The results could have clinical impact in patients taking cholesterol-lowering medications or in individuals with inborn defects in cholesterol synthesis.
Journal of Clinical Investigation
The results could have clinical impact in patients taking cholesterol-lowering medications or in individuals with inborn defects in cholesterol synthesis.
Journal of Clinical Investigation
Cataracts Current Events and Cataracts News RSSOzone layer depletion levelling off
By merging more than a decade of atmospheric data from European satellites, scientists have compiled a homogeneous long-term ozone record that allows them to monitor total ozone trends on a global scale - and the findings look promising.
Medications Effective in Reducing Risks for Breast Cancer Can Also Cause Serious Side Effects
Three drugs that reduce a woman's chance of getting breast cancer also have been shown to cause adverse effects, according to a new report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Study predicts 40 percent increase in blindness in Nigeria by 2020
By 2020, 1.4 million Nigerians over age 40 will lose their sight, and the vast majority of the causes are either preventable or treatable, according to the Nigeria National Blindness and Visual Impairment Study Group.
Pharmacy pamphlets apparently more about looks than legibility: study
It seems like common sense that an information leaflet for vision loss would have large print and appropriate contrast, but that's not the case a new study done at the University of Alberta has found.
Structure of protective protein in the eye lens revealed
The human eye lens consists of a highly concentrated mix of several proteins. Protective proteins prevent these proteins from aggregating and clumping.
New evidence that popular dietary supplement may help prevent, treat cataracts
Researchers are reporting evidence from tissue culture experiments that the popular dietary supplement carnosine may help to prevent and treat cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye that is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide.
New surgical implant tested at U-Iowa prevents total blindness
A work accident leaves a woman blind in one eye. As she copes with the loss, within months the vision in the other, previously uninjured eye begins to blur, and the eye becomes red and inflamed.
Vigorous Exercise May Help Prevent Vision Loss
There's another reason to dust off those running shoes. Vigorous exercise may help prevent vision loss, according to a pair of studies from the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
New insight into the controls on a go-to enzyme
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have gained new insights into regulation of one of the body's enzyme workhorses called calpains.
Study Shows Steroid Therapies Following Transplant Can Be Eliminated
A new study by researchers at UC shows that using modern immunosuppressive drugs eliminates the need for steroid therapy as early as seven days following a transplant surgery while still maintaining kidney function
More Cataracts Current Events and Cataracts News Articles
 |
Cataract Surgery: A Patient's Guide to Cataract Treatment by Uday Devgan MD (Author) With nearly three million Americans undergoing cataract surgery annually this survey is essential for those anticipating the procedure. This handbook covers the most frequently asked questions, such as What type of new lens is implanted in the eye? What type of anesthesia is used? Is there pain after the surgery? and How soon will vision improve? A photographic outline illustrating how cataracts are removed and how new intraocular lenses are implanted is also included. |
 |
Similasan Cataract Care Eye Drops, .33-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 3) by Similasan If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, you may have been told that surgery is not needed until the condition significantly interferes with daily activities. If your physician has recommended postponing surgery, Similasan's unique Active Response Formu |
 |
Cataracts: A Patient's Guide to Treatment by Howard Gimbel MD (Author), David Chang MD (Author) Providing prospective patients with an understandable account of the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, this book thoroughly explores the issues surrounding this condition. Surgical treatment and postoperative processes are described in detail, including the risks and possible complications. The emotional side of sight loss and its effect on the patient's life is discussed. Answering questions frequently asked by individuals with cataracts, this comprehensive reference covers the causes of cataracts; prevention and treatment; intraocular lenses; deciding when cataracts should be removed; and whether cataract surgery eliminates the need for glasses. |
 |
Kingdom by Cataract |
 |
Cataracts Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. The word cataract literally means, waterfall. What's the connection? We'll visit with four people from different backgrounds that had their lives transformed after receiving ground breaking cataract surgery. The best cataract surgeons perform delicate surgery and lens replacement procedures in this program. The recipients of these procedures are featured, before, during and after their surgeries. Watch and learn how vision can be restored. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
The Cataract Cure: The Russian eye-drop breakthrough: The story of N-acetylcarnosine by Marios Kyriazis (Author) Author Marios Kyriazis brings a wealth of medical expertise to one of the most important breakthroughs in recent times to help combat a disease called “senile cataract”, which affects one in five people over the age of fifty-five. In the past, the only treatment available for this chronic condition was painful and potentially dangerous surgery to remove the cataract. Other treatments are now available, specifically, the new Russian breakthrough N-acetylcarnosine. In clinical trials, this treatment has shown dramatic and impressive results in treating age-related cataracts. The Cataract Cure also covers other associated eye disorders including: Glaucoma Macular Degeneration Infection of the cornea Dry eye syndrome Computer vision syndrome Eyestrain Blurred... |
 |
Cocoons Live Eyewear Sunglasses Wide Line (Medium-Large) Black Frame with Polarized Gray Lenses C422G by Live Eyewear The Wide Line (Medium-Large) frame is designed to fit over medium to large rectangular prescription eyewear shapes, to fit over frames not exceeding 5 5/8 x 1 3/8 inches. |
 |
Kingdom Cataract (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Similasan Cataract Care by Similasan Long Term, Healthy Relief® Homeopathic Relieves sym |
 |
Pet Vision - 8 ml by Midwest Vet Supply The solution to pet cataracts is clear. PetVision |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |