MedWorm: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

The electroretinogram: a useful tool for evaluating age-related macular disease?

Documenta Ophthalmologica — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:56:38 +0100

Abstract With an ageing population, the number of age-related macular disease (ARMD) cases will inevitably rise. This gives greater impetus for the need to identify the disease earlier and assess treatments to slow disease progression. Differing electroretinogram (ERG) modalities have been reviewed in relation to the objective assessment of retinal function in ARMD and for monitoring the effectiveness of clinical interventions. Conflicting results have been found with regard to the efficacy of ERG findings in the investigation of ARMD in previous years. The newer multifocal ERG paradigm provides spatial topographical information about retinal function in ARMD. It has shown promising results in monitoring effectiveness of clinical interventions and studies are continuing in...

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Characterization of Extracellular Polymeric Substances from Acidophilic Microbial Biofilms.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We examined the chemical composition of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) extracted from two natural microbial pellicle biofilms growing on acid mine drainage (AMD) solutions. The EPS obtained from a mid-stage developmental stage biofilm (DS1) and a mature biofilm (DS2) were qualitatively and quantitatively contrasted. More than twice the amount of EPS was derived from DS2 compared to DS1, with approximately 340 and 150 mg of EPS per gram of dry weight for DS2 and DS1, respectively. Composition analyses indicated the presence of carbohydrates, metals, proteins and minor quantities of DNA and lipids, although the relative concentrations of these components varied between the two EPS samples. EPS from DS2 contained higher concentrations of metals and carbohydrates compared to DS1. Fe ...

A Hapten Generated from an Oxidation Fragment of Docosahexaenoic Acid Is Sufficient to Initiate Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Molecular Neurobiology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:49:59 +0100

Abstract The protein adduct carboxyethylpyrrole (CEP) is present in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) eye tissue and in the blood of AMD patients at higher levels than found in age-matched non-AMD tissues. Autoantibodies to CEP are also higher in AMD blood samples than in controls. To test the hypothesis that this hapten is causally involved in initiating an inflammatory response in AMD, we immunized C57BL/6J mice with mouse serum albumin (MSA) adducted with CEP. Immunized mice develop antibodies to CEP, fix complement component-3 in Bruch’s membrane, accumulate drusen below the retinal pigment epithelium during aging, show decreased a- and b-wave amplitudes in response to light, and develop lesions in the retinal pigment epithelium mimicking geographic atrophy, the...

Photodynamic therapy alone versus combined with intravitreal bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration without polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Japanese patients

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:40:18 +0100

Conclusions Our 12-month results of PDT combined with IVB for Japanese patients with AMD without PCV appeared to be more effective than those of PDT alone with fewer treatments. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Retinal DisordersDOI 10.1007/s00417-010-1343-8Authors Ryuhei Hara, Kumamoto University Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences 1-1-1 Honjo Kumamoto 860-8556 JapanTakahiro Kawaji, Kumamoto University Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences 1-1-1 Honjo Kumamoto 860-8556 JapanYasuya Inomata, Kumamoto University Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences 1-1-1 Honjo Kumamoto 860-8556 JapanJin Tahara, Kumamoto University Department of...

Genetic diversity and medicinal drug response in eye care

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:47:27 +0100

Conclusion These studies are still in their infancy, and do not suggest that a pharmacogenetic basis of drug development is a credible concept and can become reality in the future. This is because most drug responses involve a large number of genes that have several polymorphisms and it is unlikely that any one single gene dictates the drug response. Therefore, a polygenic approach, whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and a molecular understanding of disease itself may provide a better insight in the future about genetic predisposing factors for adverse drug reactions. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00417-010-1333-xAuthors Barkur S. Shastry, Oakland University Department of Biological Sciences Rochester MI US...

Treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration with a variable ranibizumab dosing regimen and one-time reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy: the TORPEDO trial at 2 years

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:47:26 +0100

Conclusion Combined PDT and ranibizumab injection the same day was well tolerated in all patients. Eighty-four percent of patients had stable or improved vision at month 24. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Retinal DisordersDOI 10.1007/s00417-009-1256-6Authors Leigh Spielberg, University Hospital Leuven Department of Ophthalmology Kapucijnenvoer 33 3000 Leuven BelgiumAnita Leys, University Hospital Leuven Department of Ophthalmology Kapucijnenvoer 33 3000 Leuven Belgium Journal Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental OphthalmologyOnline ISSN 1435-702XPrint ISSN 0721-832X (Source: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology)

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Advanced Radiation Monitoring Devices (ARMD) Near Term Research Project

Grants.gov — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:16:00 +0100

Funding Opportunity Number: BAA10-DNDO-01 Opportunity Category: DiscretionaryFunding Instrument Type: Cooperative AgreementGrantOtherProcurement ContractCategory of Funding Activity: Science and Technology and other Research and DevelopmentCFDA Number: 97.077Eligible Applicants Public and State controlled institutions of higher educationNonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher educationNonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher educationPrivate institutions of higher educationFor profit organizations other than small businessesSmall businessesAgency Name DHS-OPO (Source: Grants.gov)

Anti-AMD Drug Use Stirs Concern in Canada (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Public Health — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:29:32 +0100

Intravitreal drug injections for age-related macular degeneration in at least one Canadian province have mushroomed in recent years, likely adding fuel to a controversy over off-label use of bevacizumab for this purpose. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

Ranibizumab for exudative age-related macular degeneration: 24-month outcomes from a single-centre institutional setting

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:49:02 +0100

Conclusion In this study, similarly to other studies of variable dosing regimen over 24 months, intravitreal ranibizumab was effective in significantly increasing BCVA and reducing CMT. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

Vision-related quality of life in persons with unilateral branch retinal vein occlusion using the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:49:02 +0100

Conclusions BRVO is a retinal vascular disease that is associated with a decrease in vision-related quality of life as determined by the VFQ-25. A decrease in VFQ-25 score is correlated with involved eye visual acuity, even when good visual acuity is maintained in the uninvolved eye. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

A compact rarebit test for macular diseases

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:49:02 +0100

Conclusion The new test allows portable rarebit testing for neuro-macular damage, without the need for a darkroom. It may prove useful for screening for early age-related macular degeneration. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

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Complement, Age-Related Macular Degeneration and a Vision of the Future [Mechanisms of Ophthalmic Disease]

Archives of Opthalmology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:50:47 +0100

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most well-characterized late-onset, complex trait diseases. Remarkable advances in our understanding of the genetic and biological foundations of this disease were derived from a recent convergence of scientific and clinical data. Importantly, the more recent identification of AMD-associated variations in a number of complement pathway genes has provided strong support for earlier, paradigm-shifting studies that suggested that aberrant function of the complement system plays a key role in disease etiology. Collectively, this wealth of information has provided an impetus for the development of powerful tools to accurately diagnose disease risk and progression and complement-based therapeutics that will ultimately delay or prevent AMD. Ind...

Rapid Expansion of Intravitreal Drug Injection Procedures, 2000 to 2008: A Population-Based Analysis [Socioeconomics and Health Services]

Archives of Opthalmology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:50:47 +0100

Conclusions The development of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. To our knowledge, this study is the first to quantify the dramatic uptake of these treatments at a population level. Our findings also suggest that off-label injection of bevacizumab was highly prevalent in Ontario. Serial intravitreal injections requiring direct physician administration and the concentration of injection procedures in the hands of a small number of ophthalmologists have the potential to affect services for other vision-threatening conditions. (Source: Archives of Opthalmology)

Not-for-Profit AMD Reclamation

Grants.gov — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:15:59 +0100

Funding Opportunity Number: DOI-SM-253-10 Opportunity Category: DiscretionaryFunding Instrument Type: Cooperative AgreementCategory of Funding Activity: EnvironmentCFDA Number: 15.253Eligible Applicants Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher educationAgency Name DOI-OSM (Source: Grants.gov)

Physician's Focus: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)—Risk Factors and Treatments

Modern Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The National Eye Institute now cites age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older. Though age has long been identified as a leading AMD risk factor (one third of adults over age 75 are affected) recent research is pointing to other risk factors such as race and obesity. Further studies indicate that AMD may itself be a risk factor for comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, new predictive models and long-term supplement regimens may better identify and reduce risk for patients threatened by the most severe forms of AMD. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Are You At Risk For Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? Learn The Top 5 Risk Factors

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of severe vision loss among Americans ages 65 and over. Knowing your risk factors, being aware of your family history, and keeping regular appointments with your Eye M.D. can help reduce your risks for vision loss from macular degeneration. In its most severe form, known as wet AMD, the disease can lead to permanent loss of central vision which is essential for driving, reading, and recognizing faces... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Are You At Risk For Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? Learn The Top 5 Risk Factors

Eye Health / Optometry News From Medical News Today — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of severe vision loss among Americans ages 65 and over. Knowing your risk factors, being aware of your family history, and keeping regular appointments with your Eye M.D. can help reduce your risks for vision loss from macular degeneration... (Source: Eye Health / Optometry News From Medical News Today)

Maximal conditional chi-square importance in random forests

Bioinformatics — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:22:07 +0100

Motivation: High-dimensional data are frequently generated in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and other studies. It is important to identify features such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GWAS that are associated with a disease. Random forests represent a very useful approach for this purpose, using a variable importance score. This importance score has several shortcomings. We propose an alternative importance measure to overcome those shortcomings. Results: We characterized the effect of multiple SNPs under various models using our proposed importance measure in random forests, which uses maximal conditional chi-square (MCC) as a measure of association between a SNP and the trait conditional on other SNPs. Based on this importance measure, we employed a permutation tes...

Flex Fuels Energy, Inc. Makes Investment in Bio-AMD, a Medical Device Company

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:23:00 +0100

LONDON, March 4, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flex Fuels Energy, Inc. ("Flex" or the "Company") (OTCBB:FXFL) announces that on February 25, 2010 it entered into a Subscription and Shareholders Agreement ("Agreement") with Bio AMD Holdings Limited, a UK limited company ("Bio-AMD"). (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

Reports: Elpida to buy Spansion assets

bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:21:47 +0100

Elpida Memory Inc. said it plans to buy the flash memory assets of Spansion Inc., according to reports late Wednesday. (SPSN) (AMD) (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines)

RheoNet Registry Analysis of Rheopheresis for Microcirculatory Disorders With a Focus on Age-related Macular Degeneration

Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of establishing the RheoNet registry was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rheopheresis, a specific method of therapeutic apheresis used to treat microcirculatory disorders. Apheresis centers providing rheopheresis therapy and physicians caring for the underlying disease were asked to participate in the registry, and the registry data were analyzed for safety and tolerability. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was selected as a model disease to evaluate efficacy. The RheoNet registry was successfully established recording 7722 rheopheresis treatments of 1110 patients, including 833 AMD patients. The mean age of patients was 72 years. Adverse events (AE) were reported in 5.67% of treatments, but termination of the treatment session was only required in 0.48%. Transient...

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[Methods for estimating personal costs of disease using retinal diseases as an example.]

Der Ophthalmologe — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Prevention or delay of visual disability and blindness caused by AMD or other retinal diseases and thus ensuring independence is not only relevant from a medical perspective but also from a health economic perspective. Against the background of a relative shortage of resources, costs should be reduced regardless of whether they are personal or societal costs. PMID: 20195614 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Der Ophthalmologe)

Macromolecular diffusion characteristics of ageing human Bruch's membrane: Implications for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Experimental Eye Research — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hussain AA, Starita C, Hodgetts A, Marshall J Macromolecular species such as retinal binding protein, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, etc., released by the fenestrated choroidal capillaries must diffuse across Bruch's membrane for interaction with the basal membranes of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) for delivery of essential metabolites to the neural retina. The patency of this pathway through ageing Bruch's was examined by quantifying the diffusional flux of a 21.2kDa fluorescein-isothiocyanate labelled dextran. Dextran flux measurements across Bruch's membrane from the macular region of the human fundus showed a highly significant decrease (p< 0.001) with ageing of donor such that diffusional transport in the ninth decade was about 6.5% of that in the first decade of l...

Live blog: Parliamentary climate emails inquiry

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:30:00 +0100

Live coverage of the science and technology committee inquiry into disclosure of climate data by the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East AngliaFind out about the witnesses and terms of reference hereScientists and sceptics to face parliamentary inquiry into emails4.49pm: Evan Harris asks if Jones might have been reluctant to publish the data because he didn't want to give his scientific rivals the opportunity to out-do him."We do the best we can [to publish data], with the resources we have," says Jones.Harris now picks up the allegations that Jones and others were trying to subvert the peer review process - a key issue.For example:Jones wrote to Mann as follows: "I can't see either of these papers being in the next IPCC report. Kevin [TRENBERTH] and I will keep them out someh...

BMJ clinical review: Age related macular degeneration

NeLM - News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: BMJ Area: News This review article looks at the pathogenesis of age related macular degeneration (AMD) and the recent advances made in the management of this condition. The following topics are covered: . What is macular degeneration? . What do we know about the pathogenesis of age related macular degeneration? . What is the natural history of macular degeneration? . How is the diagnosis made? . What are the principles of management? . What do current guidelines recommend? . What can current treatment achieve? . What research is ongoing? The following tips are provided for non-specialists: . Neovascularisation and geographic atrophy are late manifestations of age related macular degeneration . ...

Homozygous deletion of the STK11/LKB1 locus and the generation of novel fusion transcripts in cervical cancer cells

Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The STK11/LKB1 gene encodes a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase that is mutated in multiple sporadic cancers including non-small cell lung carcinomas, pancreatic cancers, and melanomas. LKB1 plays a role in multiple cellular functions including cell growth, cell cycle progression, metabolism, cell polarity, and migration. To date, only a limited number of studies have assessed the status of LKB1 in cervical cancers. Herein, we investigate DNA methylation, DNA mutation, and transcription at the LKB1 locus in cervical cancer cell lines. We identified homozygous deletions of 25–85kb in the HeLa and SiHa cell lines. Deletion breakpoint analysis in HeLa cells revealed that the deletion resulted from an Alu-recombination-mediated deletion (ARMD) and generated a novel LKB...

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A flip of the coin

Optometry - Journal of the American Optometric Association — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In the health care community, January seems to be an especially economically stressful time, as patients begin the year with a new deductible or a higher copayment, or a new (and sometimes more confusing) insurance plan. For anyone who is in need of care, particularly those with chronic or ongoing health problems, there is often concern regarding out-of-pocket expenses. Given that at some point each of us will experience the role of being someone's patient (or perhaps we already are) the reality of these dollar-and-cents concerns affects everyone; for doctors it is the other side of the health care reimbursement coin. As a patient, I am shocked at the cost of care for a relatively healthy child or adult. It was with interest and by coincidence that I came across an article stating, “Econ...

New biological investigations on 3-bromophenyl 6-acetoxymethyl-2-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-3-carboxylate as anti-angiogenic agent

Drug Development Research — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study identifies IK9 as a new potent inhibitor of angiogenesis and suggests its potential use as a therapeutic agent. Drug Dev Res 71, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Drug Development Research)

[The IOL-Vip system : Principles and clinical application.]

Der Ophthalmologe — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Khoramnia R, von Mohrenfels CW, Salgado JP, Schweiger B, Engel M, Hadeler J, Lohmann CP There are various retinal disorders that cause macular degeneration. However, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the main cause of legal blindness in developed countries. Even today the end stage of this disease can often not be avoided. Patients suffer from central scotoma and severe vision loss. Low vision aids may help in certain situations, but these devices are often functionally and cosmetically inadequate. The implantation of the IOL-Vip system is a new surgical alternative. The lens system consists of a high negative power lens (-64 D) which is implanted in the capsular bag and a high positive power lens (+53 D) which is implanted in the anterior chamber. An intraocular Gali...

Optical Coherence Tomography in Age-Related Macular Degeneration(Coscas)

Springer Medicine titles — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:58:15 +0100

(Source: Springer Medicine titles)

Age related macular degeneration

BMJ Online First — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:45:58 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

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Errata for Fleckenstein et al., Concordance of Disease Progression in Bilateral Geographic Atrophy Due to AMD [Errata]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:05:11 +0100

(Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Effects on Choroidal Neovascularization after Anti-VEGF Upload Using Intravitreal Ranibizumab, as Determined by Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography [Retina]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:05:10 +0100

SD-OCT is used to determine CNV structure before and after anti-VEGF upload in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Soluble and Mature Amyloid Fibrils in Drusen Deposits [Anatomy and Pathology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:05:08 +0100

A wide spectrum of amyloid structures is revealed in drusen. The data further support a commonality between age-related macular degeneration and other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by amyloid deposits. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Molecular Link between Oxidative Damage, Tissue-Specific Inflammation and Outer Retinal Disease: The Proctor Lecture [Lectures]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:05:07 +0100

(Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Analysis of the indel at the ARMS2 3′UTR in age-related macular degeneration

Human Genetics — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:53:02 +0100

Abstract Controversy remains as to which gene at the chromosome 10q26 locus confers risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and statistical genetic analysis is confounded by the strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) across the region. Functional analysis of related genetic variations could solve this puzzle. Recently, Fritsche et al. reported that AMD is associated with unstable ARMS2 transcripts possibly caused by a complex insertion/deletion (indel; consisting of a 443 bp deletion and an adjacent 54 bp insertion) in its 3′UTR (untranslated region). To validate this indel, we sequenced our samples. We found that this indel is even more complex and is composed of two side-by-side indels separated by 17 bp: (1) 9 bp deletion with 10 bp inserti...

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Expression and function of CXCL12/CXCR4 in rat urinary bladder with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis

AJP: Renal Physiology — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:28:41 +0100

Chemokines, otherwise known as chemotactic cytokines, are proinflammatory mediators of the immune response and have been implicated in altered sensory processing, hyperalgesia, and central sensitization following tissue injury or inflammation. To address the role of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling in normal micturition and inflammation-induced bladder hyperreflexia, bladder inflammation in adult female Wistar rats (175–250 g) was induced by injecting cyclophosphamide (CYP) intraperitoneally at acute (150 mg/kg; 4 h), intermediate (150 mg/kg; 48 h), and chronic (75 mg/kg; every 3rd day for 10 days) time points. CXCL12, and its receptor, CXCR4, were examined in the whole urinary bladder of control and CYP-treated rats using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR)...

Forecasts for the Approval of Several More Angiogenesis Inhibitors Within the Next Five Years

Kidney Cancer Association — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:34:51 +0100

Several additional angiogenesis inhibitors are expected reach the market in the next five years. Compounds to watch include Pfizer's SU-11248, which has demonstrated efficacy in imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors; Bayer and Onyx Pharmaceuticals BAY-43-9006, which is in Phase III for renal cell carcinoma; and Genentech and Novartis's ranibizumab (Lucentis) for AMD. 02/24/2010 (Source: Kidney Cancer Association)

Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Anti-VEGF Nonresponders

Medscape Ophthalmology Headlines — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:51:40 +0100

Anti-VEGF therapy has led to significant improvements in visual outcomes for many but not all patients. What therapies are being investigated to tackle anti-VEGF nonresponders? Expert Review of Ophthalmology (Source: Medscape Ophthalmology Headlines)

Grandmother told to go to TWO hospitals 30 miles apart for sight-saving treatment (that's one for each eye)

the Mail online | Health — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:48:07 +0100

Pensioner Mavis Eldridge must travel to another city to treat Acute Macular Degeneration (AMD) in her left eye, even though her local hospital is already treating her right one. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Dendritic cell physiology and function in the eye

Immunological Reviews — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: The eye and the brain are immunologically privileged sites, a property previously attributed to the lack of a lymphatic circulation. However, recent tracking studies confirm that these organs have good communication through classical site-specific lymph nodes, as well as direct connection through the blood circulation with the spleen. In addition, like all tissues, they contain resident myeloid cell populations that play important roles in tissue homeostasis and the response to foreign antigens. Most of the macrophage and dendritic cell (DC) populations in the eye are restricted to the supporting connective tissues, including the cornea, while the neural tissue (the retina) contains almost no DCs, occasional macrophages (perivascularly distributed), and a specialized myeloid cell ...

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Quantitative Proteomic Comparison of the Macular Bruch's Membrane/Choroid Complex from Age-related Macular Degeneration and Normal Eyes.

Molecular and Cellular Proteomics : MCP — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yuan X, Gu X, Crabb JS, Yue X, Shadrach K, Hollyfield JG, Crabb JW Quantitative proteomic analysis of the macular Bruch's membrane/choroid complex was pursued for insights into the molecular mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Protein in trephine samples from the macular region of 10 early/mid dry AMD, 6 advanced dry AMD, 8 wet AMD and 25 normal control postmortem eyes was analyzed by LC MS/MS iTRAQ technology. A total of 901 proteins was quantified including 556 proteins from = 3 AMD samples. Most proteins differed little in amount between AMD and control samples and therefore reflect the proteome of normal macular tissues of average age 81. A total of 56 proteins were found elevated and 43 reduced in AMD tissues relative to controls. Analysis by category of...

Quality of Life in Keratoconus Patients After Penetrating Keratoplasty

American Journal of Ophthalmology — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:05:21 +0100

Conclusion: Despite satisfactory results on visual outcome measures obtained after PK, vision-related QoL in KCN patients remains impaired. (Source: American Journal of Ophthalmology)

A review of clinical trials of anti-VEGF agents for diabetic retinopathy

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:50:18 +0100

Conclusions For diabetic macular edema, phase II trials of intravitreal pegaptanib and intravitreal ranibizumab have shown short-term benefit in visual acuity. Intravitreal bevacizumab also has been shown to have beneficial short-term effects on both visual acuity and retinal thickness. For proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), early studies suggest that intravitreal bevacizumab temporarily decreases leakage from diabetic neovascular lesions, but this treatment may be associated with tractional retinal detachment (TRD). Furthermore, several studies indicate that bevacizumab is likely to prove a helpful adjunct to diabetic pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for TRD. Finally, three small series suggest a potential beneficial effect of a single dose of bevacizumab to prevent wor...

A tissue-engineered approach towards retinal repair: Scaffolds for cell transplantation to the subretinal space

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:42:27 +0100

Conclusions The transplantation of cells within a scaffold represents a possible treatment to repair retinal degeneration and restore vision in effected patients. Materials have been developed for the delivery of retinal and RPE cells separately however, the development of a combined tissue-engineered scaffold targeting both cell populations represents a promising direction for retinal repair. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00417-009-1263-7Authors Sara Royce Hynes, Yale University Department of Biomedical Engineering New Haven CT 06520 USAErin B. Lavik, Case Western Reserve University Department of Biomedical Engineering Cleveland OH 44106 USA Journal Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental OphthalmologyOnline ISSN 143...

Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone combined with bevacizumab for choroidal neovascularization associated with large retinal pigment epithelial detachment in age-related macular degeneration

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:54:24 +0100

Conclusion Combined IVB and IVTA therapy seems to be an effective and safe procedure to treat CNV associated with large PED in AMD. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Retinal DisordersDOI 10.1007/s00417-010-1302-4Authors Leila el Matri, Hedi Rais Institute of Ophthalmology Department B of Ophthalmology Boulevard 9 avril 1006 Bab saadoun Tunis TunisiaAhmed Chebil, Hedi Rais Institute of Ophthalmology Department B of Ophthalmology Boulevard 9 avril 1006 Bab saadoun Tunis TunisiaFadra Kort, Hedi Rais Institute of Ophthalmology Department B of Ophthalmology Boulevard 9 avril 1006 Bab saadoun Tunis TunisiaRym Bouraoui, Hedi Rais Institute of Ophthalmology Department B of Ophthalmology Boulevard 9 avril 1006 Bab saadoun Tunis TunisiaKarim Baklouti, Hedi Rais Institute of Op...

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High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and endothelin-1 in age-related macular degeneration

Journal of Men's Health — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:10:16 +0100

Abstract: Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of elderly irreversible vision loss in the world. Since C-reactive protein (CRP) is a potential risk factor that has been known to induce AMD, this study was designed to explore the relationship between AMD and serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and endothelin-1 (ET-1).Methods: The subjects were 48 males with AMD (28 with wet type and 20 with dry type) having a mean age of 69.4±9.6 years and a matched group of 45 apparently healthy control subjects. The AMD was diagnosed using a slit-lamp with super filled lens, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography. Levels of hsCRP and ET-1 were determined using ELISA methods.Results: hsCRP (6.96±5.15 vs. 3.64±4.67mg/l, P (Source: Jo...

Verteporfin PDT for non-standard indications—a review of current literature

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:06:09 +0100

Conclusions The complex pathogenesis of CNV provides a rationale for investigating combination approaches comprising verteporfin PDT and anti-VEGF therapies. Randomized controlled studies are warranted to confirm the preliminary results of verteporfin PDT as a monotherapy or in combination with anti-VEGF therapies in the treatment of a variety of choroidal vascular conditions. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00417-010-1307-zAuthors Wai Man Chan, HK Sanatorium Hospital Department of Ophthalmology Happy Valley Hong KongTock-Han Lim, Tan Tock Seng Hospital National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng SingaporeAlfredo Pece, Ospedale di Melegnano Department of Ophthalmology Milan It...

Integrin activation or alpha9 expression allows retinal pigmented epithelial cell adhesion on Bruch's membrane in wet age-related macular degeneration

Brain — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:54:45 +0100

Retinal pigment epithelial cell malfunction is a causative feature of age-related macular degeneration, and transplantation of new retinal pigment epithelial cells is an attractive strategy to prevent further progression and visual loss. However, transplants have shown limited efficacy, mainly because transplanted cells fail to adhere and migrate onto pathological Bruch’s membrane. Adhesion to Bruch’s membrane is integrin-mediated. Ageing of Bruch’s membrane leads to a decline in integrin ligands and, added to this, wet age-related macular degeneration leads to upregulation of anti-adhesive molecules such as tenascin-C. We have therefore investigated whether manipulation of integrin function in retinal pigment epithelial cells can restore their adhesion and migration on w...

EXTEND-I: safety and efficacy of ranibizumab in Japanese patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration

Acta Ophthalmologica — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Ranibizumab was effective and well tolerated in Japanese patients with subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD. (Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)

Microperimetric changes after intravitreal bevacizumab injection for exudative age-related macular degeneration

Acta Ophthalmologica — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Intravitreal bevacizumab therapy induced a significant increase in mean retinal sensitivity and significant decrease in mean absolute scotoma size during 6 months. The MP1 microperimetry proved to be a valuable tool in the evaluation of functional benefit of exudative AMD therapy with intravitreal bevacizumab. (Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)

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Apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins in retinal aging and age-related macular degeneration [Thematic Reviews]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:50:12 +0100

The largest risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is advanced age. With aging, there is a striking accumulation of neutral lipids in Bruch's membrane (BrM) of normal eye that continues through adulthood. This accumulation has the potential to significantly impact the physiology of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). It also ultimately leads to the creation of a lipid wall at the same locations where drusen and basal linear deposit, the pathognomonic extracellular, lipid-containing lesions of ARMD, subsequently form. Here, we summarize evidence obtained from light microscopy, ultrastructural studies, lipid histochemistry, assay of isolated lipoproteins, and gene expression analysis. These studies suggest that lipid deposition in BrM is at least partially due to accumulat...

Anticoagulation and intraocular haemorrhage in age-related macular degeneration: a probable link?

Med J Aust — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chalasani R, Qureshi S PMID: 20170463 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Med J Aust)

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Ophthalmology

Survey of Ophthalmology — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:52:53 +0100

Abstract: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are increasingly employed in ophthalmology to reduce miosis and inflammation, manage scleritis, and prevent and treat cystoid macular edema associated with cataract surgery. In addition, they may decrease postoperative pain and photophobia associated with refractive surgery and may reduce the itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved new topical NSAIDs, and previously approved NSAIDs have been reformulated. These additions and changes result in different pharmacokinetics and dosing intervals, which may offer therapeutic advantages. For example, therapeutic effects on diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration may now be achievable. We provide an ...

Reading Speed in the peripheral visual field of older adults: Does it benefit from perceptual learning?

Vision Research — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yu D, Cheung SH, Legge GE, Chung ST Enhancing reading ability in peripheral vision is important for the rehabilitation of people with central-visual-field loss from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Previous research has shown that perceptual learning, based on a trigram letter-recognition task, improved peripheral reading speed among normally-sighted young adults (Chung, Legge & Cheung, 2004). Here we ask whether the same happens in older adults in an age range more typical of the onset of AMD. Eighteen normally-sighted subjects, aged 55 to 76 years, were randomly assigned to training or control groups. Visual-span profiles (plots of letter-recognition accuracy as a function of horizontal letter position) and RSVP reading speeds were measured at 10 degrees above and...

Long-Term Follow-Up After Multiple Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injections for Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:15:59 +0100

Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

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Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and the Risk of Stroke. A 5-Year Population-Based Follow-Up Study.

Stroke — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that neovascular AMD is associated with a higher risk of stroke for patients with AMD >/=65 years old. PMID: 20150546 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Stroke)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Why Should Stroke Physicians Care?

Stroke — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wong TY PMID: 20150541 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Stroke)

Age-related accumulation of 3-nitrotyrosine and nitro-A2E in human Bruch's membrane.

Experimental Eye Research — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Murdaugh LS, Wang Z, Del Priore LV, Dillon J, Gaillard ER Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease leading to severe visual loss and legal blindness in the elderly population. The pathophysiology of AMD is complex and may include genetic predispositions, accumulation of lipofuscin and drusen, local inflammation and neovascularization. Recently four independent research groups have identified a commonly inherited variant (Y402H) of the complement factor H gene in the genome from different groups of AMD patients. The Y402H variant of CFH significantly increases the risk of AMD and links the genetics of the disease with inflammation. During inflammation there is activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and release of nitric oxide, which in principal could lead to ...

Sequenom Licenses Worldwide Rights To Develop Age-Related Macular Degeneration Diagnostic Test

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Sequenom, Inc. (Nasdaq: SQNM), announced an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Optherion, Inc. Under the agreement, Sequenom's CAP accredited and CLIA-certified laboratory, Sequenom Center for Molecular Medicine (Sequenom CMM), obtained the rights to develop and commercialize diagnostic tests to predict genetic predisposition to late stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The license agreement covers extensive intellectual property rights for the most significant AMD-related genetic variants that have been confirmed in multiple clinical studies around the world... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Sequenom Licenses Worldwide Rights To Develop Age-Related Macular Degeneration Diagnostic Test

Medical Devices News From Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Sequenom, Inc. (Nasdaq: SQNM), announced an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Optherion, Inc. Under the agreement, Sequenom's CAP accredited and CLIA-certified laboratory, Sequenom Center for Molecular Medicine (Sequenom CMM), obtained the rights to develop and commercialize diagnostic tests to predict genetic predisposition to late stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD)... (Source: Medical Devices News From Medical News Today)

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The correlation structure of longitudinal measurements of vision in patients with macular degeneration

Pharmaceutical Statistics — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The similarity of the estimated variance functions and correlation structures for both datasets indicates that these aspects may be a genuine feature of the measurements of changes in visual acuity in patients with ARMD. The feature can be used in the planning and analysis of trials that use visual acuity as the clinical endpoint of interest. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Pharmaceutical Statistics)

Sequenom Licenses Worldwide Rights to Develop Age-Related Macular Degeneration Diagnostic Test

HSMN NewsFeed — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:11:03 +0100

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 9 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Sequenom, Inc. (Nasdaq: SQNM), today announced an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Optherion, Inc. Under the agreement, Sequenom's CAP accredited and CLIA-certified laboratory, Sequenom Center for Molecula... Diagnostics, Ophthalmology, LicensingSequenom, Optherion, SensiGene, macular degeneration (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)

Changes of rheological and clinical parameters during the therapy of microcirculatory disorders

Nutrition — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:57:23 +0100

In this study we describe changes in rheological effectivity indicators in the course of hemorheotherapy and their clinical importance in cases of microcirculatory disorders. In the prospective trial presented here, 24 patients were treated - non-healing lesions caused by severe ischemic diabetic foot syndrome (IDFS): 5 pts; age related macular degeneration (AMD):13 pts; acute sensorineural hearing loss (ASHL): 3 pts; thyreoid orbital endocrino-pathy (TAO): 3 pts. Our own modification of rheopheresis was used: Plasma, free from cellular elements is obtained by blood cell separator (Cobe-Spectra, Denver, USA) in high-speed centrifugation. Then it is run through the “second stage” – a rheofilter (Evaflux 4A, Kuraray) with ethylene-vinyl-alcohol hollow fibres with holes of 0,03 microme...

Influence of therapy on metabolic changes of the retina by the age related macular degeneration

Nutrition — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:57:23 +0100

The wet form of AMD (age-related macular degeneration) is the main cause of legal blindness in the older population. Haemorheopheresis results in an immediate decrease in the proportion of high molecular weight proteins allowing the barely functioning retinal pigment epithelial cells to function better and diminish the release of vascular endothelial growth factor. Purpose of the study: to evaluate the influence of haemorheopheresis on morphologic and functional retinal changes in patients with dry form of AMD. (Source: Nutrition)

Newly diagnosed exudative age-related macular degeneration treated with pegaptanib sodium monotherapy in US community-based practices: medical chart review study

BMC Ophthalmology - Latest articles — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy/safety of intravitreal pegaptanib sodium monotherapy in treatment-naive subjects with newly diagnosed neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NV-AMD) and to gain insight into characteristics of lesions treated in community-based practices. Methods: From seven private US practices, charts were retrospectively reviewed on 73 subjects with previously untreated subfoveal choroidal NV-AMD treated with their first dose of pegaptanib monotherapy on/after 4/1/2005 through 6/5/2006, receiving [greater than or equal to]4 treatments at 6-week intervals over 21-weeks. Primary endpoint: mean visual acuity (VA) change from baseline to month 6. Results: 75% of lesions were occult, and 82% were subfoveal. From baseline to month 6, mean VA chan...

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Development of Choroidal Neovascularization in Rats With Advanced Intense Cyclic Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration [Laboratory Sciences]

Archives of Opthalmology — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:51:02 +0100

Conclusions Our results suggest that albino rats develop progressive stages of retinal degeneration and CNV after long-term intense cyclic light exposure, allowing the detailed study of the pathogenesis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Clinical Relevance The ability to study the progressive pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration and CNV will provide detailed knowledge about the disease and aid in the development of target-specific therapy. (Source: Archives of Opthalmology)

Curry spice saffron 'could stop you going blind'

the Mail online | Health — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:01:24 +0100

Test findings suggest the spice reverses age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, the most common cause of blindness in old people. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Paloma Pharmaceuticals Receives Approval To Enter Phase I Clinical Trials

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Paloma Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has received acceptance of its IND to enter Phase I studies with Palomid 529 (P529) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The Phase I study, "A Phase I Open-Label Study to Investigate the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Single Intravitreal and Subconjunctival Doses of Palomid 529 in Patients with Advanced Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration" will be a dose-ranging study aimed at safety but will also have objective measurement for efficacy... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Paloma Pharmaceuticals Receives Approval To Enter Phase I Clinical Trials

Eye Health / Optometry News From Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Management of submacular haemorrhage in age-related macular degeneration with intravitreal tenecteplase

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:33:16 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

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Endothelial cells analysis after intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis) in age-related macular degeneration treatment: a pilot study

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:33:16 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

A randomised trial of bevacizumab and reduced light dose photodynamic therapy in age-related macular degeneration: the VIA study

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:33:15 +0100

Conclusions Combination bevacizumab and 25 J/cm2 or 12 J/cm2 PDT significantly reduced the number of bevacizumab treatments required over 6 months. This study was powered to examine number of treatments, but not visual acuities. Nevertheless, visual acuities responded favourably in all three groups. Further studies will be helpful to explore visual outcomes. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

Low fluence rate photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:33:15 +0100

Conclusion The combination of IVB with low fluence PDT for the treatment of classic or predominantly classic neovascular AMD works in a synergistic fashion with a significant reduction in IVB reinjections rate. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

Morphological and functional analysis of the loading regimen with intravitreal ranibizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:33:15 +0100

Conclusion The initial administration of intravitreal ranibizumab in neovascular AMD induced a significant effect on intra- and subretinal fluid and visual function; subsequent injections had a less pronounced effect. It remains to be determined whether this loading regimen should be mandatory in all patients or if a single dose regimen would lead to a comparable functional and morphological retinal improvement. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

Combination therapy with verteporfin and anti-VEGF agents in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: where do we stand?

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:33:14 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

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Prevalence and determinants of age-related macular degeneration in central Sri Lanka: the Kandy Eye Study

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:33:14 +0100

Conclusions Although the prevalence of ARMD is slightly lower in Sri Lanka than surrounding regions, it contributes to a higher proportion of visual impairment, including blindness. Risk factors include age and Sinhalese ethnicity. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

Genetic and Functional Dissection of HTRA1 and LOC387715 in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PLoS Genetics — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Author Summary Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading blindness cause in western countries. Several genes encoding components of the complement pathway—including CFH, C2/BF, and C3—have been confirmed to be associated with AMD, as well as a region on 10q26 that encompasses two genes. Recent data have suggested that loss of LOC387715 on 10q26, mediated by an insertion/deletion (in/del) at its 3'UTR that destabilizes its message, is causally related with the disorder. We found that a common disease haplotype including the in/del and rs11200638 also has an effect on the transcriptional upregulation of the adjacent gene, HTRA1. We propose a binary model where downregulation of LOC387715 and concomitant upregulation of HTRA1 best explain the risk associated with the 10q26 AM...

In situ measurement of spectral changes in the anterior eye following application of ultraviolet absorbing compounds.

European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kek WK, Miller J, Rawson-Lax E, Wilson CG, Uttamchandani D The ocular structures are very sensitive to damage from ultra-violet (UV) radiation, exposure is linked to corneal and conjunctival damage, cataract formation and may also be implicated in the aetiology of age-related macular degeneration. These structures are usually protected by the wearing of suitable eyeglasses and goggles. An alternative to conventional eyeglasses/goggles is the concept of "liquid sunglasses" which involve the topical application of eye drops that are designed to block harmful UV radiation reaching the sensitive ocular surfaces. The evaluation of such compounds directly applied to the eye surface requires in situ measurements to compare the efficacy of different formulations. A novel ocular spectr...

Drugs May Be Beneficial in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Modern Medicine — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration, intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab may help stabilize the loss of visual acuity, according to a study in the February issue of Ophthalmology. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Three-monthly intravitreal bevacizumab injections for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: short-term visual acuity results.

European Journal of Ophthalmology — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Three consecutive monthly injections of intravitreal bevacizumab to treat neovascular AMD is effective in improving VA in the short term. Longer prospective studies should be performed to confirm VA stability after the third injection. PMID: 20155704 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Ophthalmology)

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Anti-VEGF for wet AMD a top eye advance

Modern Medicine — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments for neovascular age-related macular degeneration represent the most significant advance in ophthalmology over the past decade, according to 52% of respondents to an online survey of members of the American Academy of Ophthalmology conducted in December. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Anti-VEGF for AMD a top advancement

Modern Medicine — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

AMD Drugs Equally Effective (CME/CE, with audio)

MedPage Today Ophthalmology — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:43:08 +0100

Visual acuity improved to a similar extent with two vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors used to treat age-related macular degeneration, data from a retrospective study showed. (Source: MedPage Today Ophthalmology)

Highlights From February Ophthalmology

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

This month's Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, includes results from a large Kaiser Permanente study of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treatments, the first global report on retinal vein occlusion, and new recommendations to help elders with vision loss avoid falls. Kaiser Study Compares Effectiveness of Two AMD Drugs A Kaiser Permanente Southern California study compared two very similar medications - ranibizumab and bevacizumab - used to treat "wet" AMD and found the two equally effective at halting vision loss... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Highlights From February Ophthalmology

Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

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Kaiser Study Compares Two AMD Treatments; "Eye Stroke" Prevalent Worldwide; New Data On Vision And Elders' Risk Of Falling

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Results of a Kaiser Permanente study comparing two treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the first global report on retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and new recommendations to prevent falls in elders with vision loss are highlighted in this month's Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Kaiser Study Compares Effectiveness of Two AMD Drugs A Kaiser Permanente Southern California study compared two very similar medications - ranibizumab and bevacizumab-used to treat "wet" AMD and found the two equally effective at halting vision loss... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Kaiser Study Compares Two AMD Treatments; "Eye Stroke" Prevalent Worldwide; New Data On Vision And Elders' Risk Of Falling

Eye Health / Optometry News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Kaiser study compares AMD drugs; Global study on RVO; Vision and falls in elders

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(American Academy of Ophthalmology) This month's Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, includes results from a large Kaiser Permanente study of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treatments, the first global report on retinal vein occlusion and new recommendations to help elders with vision loss avoid falls. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Implantable miniature telescope: Lessons learned

Optometry - Journal of the American Optometric Association — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Proper eye selection chosen for implantation with the telescope prosthesis appears to be an important if not critical factor in determining patient satisfaction for visual processing and functional success. Based on the author's experience with the IMT, optometrists can aid the multidisciplinary team by preoperatively determining which eye, if implanted, offers the optimal potential functional benefit for appropriate candidates. (Source: Optometry - Journal of the American Optometric Association)

Concept of a functional retinal locus in age-related macular degeneration.

Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Preferred retinal loci and highest retinal sensitivity loci are not identical in AMD cases. A new concept of functional retinal locus is proposed to define their relation. A new concept of an oculomotor efficiency score is proposed to define oculomotor abilities when macular function is lost. PMID: 20130713 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology)

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The relationship between scotoma displacement and preferred retinal loci in low-vision patients with age-related macular degeneration.

Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Scotoma displacement recorded with macular perimetry methods offers reasonable indirect estimates of PRL location. PMID: 20130712 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology)

Triple therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (verteporfin photodynamic therapy, intravitreal dexamethasone, and intravitreal bevacizumab).

Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: By combining agents with complementary mechanisms of action, triple therapy could maintain visual acuity and macular anatomy while allowing a reduction in the number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections required. PMID: 20130708 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology)

A genetic approach to stratification of risk for age-related macular degeneration.

Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zanke B, Hawken S, Carter R, Chow D The genetic determinants of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are reviewed and a novel approach to risk determination based upon inherited genetic polymorphisms and smoking history is presented. Although AMD was long thought to have primarily an environmental etiology, genetic variation is now known to account for the majority of the disease risk, with variations in the genes of the complement pathways playing a prominent role. Independent and validated clinical studies have implicated the C3 gene and its regulator, complement factor H (1q31.1), complement component 2 (6q21.33), and complement factor B (6q21.33). Subtle variations in complement activity increase the risk of symptomatic macular inflammation with age. A second group of AM...

Endothelial cells analysis after intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis) in age-related macular degeneration treatment: a pilot study.

The British Journal of Ophthalmology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pérez-Rico C, Benítez-Herreros J, Castro-Rebollo M, Gómez-Sangil Y, Germain F, Montes-Mollón MA, Teus MA PMID: 20139298 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of Ophthalmology)

Management of submacular haemorrhage in age-related macular degeneration with intravitreal tenecteplase.

The British Journal of Ophthalmology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: McAllister IL, Chen SD, Patel JI, Fleming BL, Yu DY PMID: 20139293 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of Ophthalmology)

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Combination therapy with verteporfin and anti-VEGF agents in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: where do we stand?

The British Journal of Ophthalmology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kaiser PK PMID: 20139287 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of Ophthalmology)

Implantable miniature telescope: Lessons learned.

Optometry — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Proper eye selection chosen for implantation with the telescope prosthesis appears to be an important if not critical factor in determining patient satisfaction for visual processing and functional success. Based on the author's experience with the IMT, optometrists can aid the multidisciplinary team by preoperatively determining which eye, if implanted, offers the optimal potential functional benefit for appropriate candidates. PMID: 20152782 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Optometry)

ChemoCentryx Initiates Clinical Trial Of CCX168, A Novel Small Molecule C5aR Antagonist For The Treatment Of Inflammatory And Autoimmune Diseases

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +0100

ChemoCentryx, Inc., announced the initiation of a Phase I clinical trial of CCX168, an orally-administered small molecule designed to treat autoimmune diseases. CCX168 is a highly potent and very selective compound that specifically targets the C5a receptor (C5aR), a component of the body's complement system and a potent driver of the inflammatory response associated with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, certain types of vasculitis, age-related macular degeneration and rheumatoid arthritis... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Researchers develop new tool for gene delivery

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:33:58 +0100

Researchers have developed a new tool to deliver DNA in gene therapy. DNA delivered to the retina with a peptide called PEG-POD was expressed 215 times more efficiently than delivery of DNA alone. The finding highlights PEG-POD as a tool for non-viral gene therapy treatments for eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Researchers Develop New Tool For Gene Delivery

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine and the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts have developed a new tool for gene therapy that significantly increases gene delivery to cells in the retina compared to other carriers and DNA alone, according to a study published in the January issue of The Journal of Gene Medicine. The tool, a peptide called PEG-POD, provides a vehicle for therapeutic genes and may help researchers develop therapies for degenerative eye disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Incorporating prior knowledge to facilitate discoveries in a genome-wide association study on age-related macular degeneration

BMC Research Notes — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Based on the success of this example, we advocate using the simple method of PSA to facilitate discoveries in future GWASs. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

Incorporating prior knowledge to facilitate discoveries in a genome-wide association study on age-related macular degeneration

BMC Research Notes — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Based on the success of this example, we advocate using the simple method of PSA to facilitate discoveries in future GWASs. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

Researchers develop new tool for gene delivery

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Tufts University, Health Sciences) Researchers have developed a new tool to deliver DNA in gene therapy. DNA delivered to the retina with a peptide called PEG-POD was expressed 215 times more efficiently than delivery of DNA alone. The finding highlights PEG-POD as a tool for non-viral gene therapy treatments for eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Check-up: Age-related Macular Degeneration

The Irish Times - Health — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:37:13 +0100

Can you tell me what AMD is? (Source: The Irish Times - Health)

Haemorheopheresis could block the progression of the dry form of age-related macular degeneration with soft drusen to the neovascular form

Acta Ophthalmologica — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Haemorheopheresis seems to be capable of changing the activity of promoters of the natural course of soft-drusen maculopathy, its development and progression. Visual acuity and electrical activity of the retina can be stabilized or even improved. The therapy has been shown to be effective and safe. (Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)

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Dynamic retinal vessel response to flicker in age-related macular degeneration patients before and after vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor injection

Acta Ophthalmologica — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Dynamic retinal arterial and venous reactions to flickering light are altered in AMD compared with controls. Three months after a single injection of a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor, the investigated retinal dynamic vascular parameters were not altered in our study. (Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)

Biotechnological production of lutein and its applications.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Fernández-Sevilla JM, Acién Fernández FG, Molina Grima E Lutein is an antioxidant that has gathered increasing attention due to its potential role in preventing or ameliorating age-related macular degeneration. Currently, it is produced from marigold oleoresin, but continuous reports of lutein-producing microalgae pose the question if those microorganisms can become an alternative source. Several microalgae have higher lutein contents than most marigold cultivars and have been shown to yield productivities hundreds of times higher than marigold crops on a per square meter basis. Microalgae and marigold are opposite alternatives in the use of resources such as land and labor and the prevalence of one or the other could change in the future as the lutein demand ri...

Can we use biomarkers in combination with self-reports to strengthen the analysis of nutritional epidemiologic studies?

Epidemiologic Perspectives & Innovations — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Identifying diet-disease relationships in nutritional cohort studies is plagued by the measurement error in self-reported intakes.The authors propose using biomarkers known to be correlated with dietary intake, so as to strengthen analyses of diet-disease hypotheses. The authors consider combining self-reported intakes and biomarker levels using principal components, Howe's method, or a joint statistical test of effects in a bivariate model. They compared the statistical power of these methods with that of conventional univariate analyses of self-reported intake or of biomarker level. They used computer simulation of different disease risk models, with input parameters based on data from the literature on the relationship between lutein intake and age-related macular degeneration.The resul...

Additional evidence to support the role of a common variant near the complement factor I gene in susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration

European Journal of Human Genetics — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Naoshi Kondo, Hiroaki Bessho, Shigeru Honda & Akira Negi (Source: European Journal of Human Genetics)

Anti-VEGF Therapies and Blood Pressure: More Than Meets the Eye

Current Hypertension Reports — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:25:11 +0100

Abstract “Wet” (also called neovascular) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic progressive disease characterized by leakage of fluid or blood from choroidal neovascularization. It remains the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of retinal neovascularization and vessel leakage leading to central vision loss, has emerged as a potential target in the treatment of wet AMD. Importantly, large-scale clinical trials have demonstrated that intravitreal VEGF antagonism prevents vision loss and may even improve visual acuity in patients with neovascular AMD. Because VEGF and its downstream mediator nitric oxide have a well-established cardioprotective role, however, ...

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Noncoding Variant in the Complement Factor H Gene and Risk of Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Chinese Population [Retina]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:02:54 +0100

Significant association was observed between the CFH noncoding variant rs1410996 and exudative AMD in a Chinese population. In contrast, the C3 coding variants rs2230199 and rs1047286 were not associated with AMD in the studied subjects, because of the extremely low frequency of the minor alleles. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Microarray Analysis Identifies Changes in Inflammatory Gene Expression in Response to Amyloid-{beta} Stimulation of Cultured Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells [Retinal Cell Biology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:02:54 +0100

Amyloid-β stimulation of human RPE cells causes gene expression changes in pathways associated with the immune response, inflammation, and cytokine and interferon signaling. Results are discussed in relation to in vivo mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of AMD. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as an Autocrine Survival Factor for Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells under Oxidative Stress via the VEGF-R2/PI3K/Akt [Retinal Cell Biology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:02:54 +0100

Autocrine VEGF enhanced RPE cell survival under oxidative stress via the VEGF/Flk-1/PI3K/Akt pathway. Neutralization of VEGF signaling, as in age-related macular degeneration, may influence RPE cell survival. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Prevalence of Early and Late Age-Related Macular Degeneration in India: The INDEYE Study [Clinical and Epidemiologic Research]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:02:52 +0100

This large, two-center, population-based study provides estimates of the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration in India. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Reliability and Validity of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration [Clinical and Epidemiologic Research]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:02:52 +0100

This paper summarizes the reliability and validity of the NEI Visual Function Questionnaire-25 in patients with age-related macular degeneration who participated in two randomized clinical trials. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

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Susceptibility Genes and Progression in Age-Related Maculopathy: A Study of Single Eyes [Clinical and Epidemiologic Research]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:02:52 +0100

This study provides new insights into the complex etiology of AMD by identifying a prominent role for the CFH gene in the progression to early AMD and for the ARMS2 gene in the progression to late AMD. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Concordance of Disease Progression in Bilateral Geographic Atrophy Due to AMD [Clinical Trials]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:02:51 +0100

This study demonstrates variable degrees of concordance for disease characteristics in patients with bilateral GA due to AMD. The results may be useful for the design of future clinical trials aimed at slowing the rate of GA progression. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Immune regulation in the retina

Immunologic Research — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 06:52:33 +0100

Abstract Immune reactivity in the retina can be critically important in inflammation and infections, but regulation of this response is essential. The retinal pigment epithelial (RPE), a unique retinal cell, displays a number of essential functions to support the health of the retina. In this review, we highlight how the RPE cell plays a pivotal role in immune defense. The RPE cell orchestrates both innate and adaptive immunity since it expresses TLRs, complement components, MHC class I and II molecules, and serves as an antigen presenting cell. Moreover, both of these immune responses result in the production of a plethora of cytokines, mainly proinflammatory. In order to counteract these inflammatory factors and silence unwanted immune reactivity, the RPE cell also gener...

Doctors Weigh In On Top Eye Care Advances Of The Decade

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

A number of new treatments to combat sight-stealing diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma became available in the past decade, but which advances do Eye M.D.s themselves consider most important? The American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) put the question to its members in a December 2009 online survey. Of 423 respondents, more than half (51.9 percent) cited Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) treatments for "wet" AMD as most significant. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was next at 23. 9 percent, followed distantly at 6... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Critical flicker-fusion frequency in age-related macular degeneration

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:42:26 +0100

Conclusions CFF decreased in non-exsudative and exsudative AMD. CFF is not able to distinguish between AMD eyes and healthy eyes of equal visual acuity, and therefore is not applicable as a possible diagnostic test. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Neuro-ophthalmologyDOI 10.1007/s00417-009-1270-8Authors Mathias Maier, Technische Universität München Augenklinik rechts der Isar Ismaningerstr. 22 81675 Munich GermanyThomas Groneberg, Technische Universität München Augenklinik rechts der Isar Ismaningerstr. 22 81675 Munich GermanyHolger Specht, FH Stralsund Stralsund GermanyChris Patrick Lohmann, Technische Universität München Augenklinik rechts der Isar Ismaningerstr. 22 81675 Munich Germany Journal Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmo...

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Baseline clinical measures and early response predict success in verteporfin photodynamic therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Eye — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: M García-Fiñana, S Murjaneh, S Mahmood & S P Harding (Source: Eye)

Animal Models for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has a number of characteristic features including late onset and accumulation of deposits (drusen) below the retinal pigment epithelium on Bruch’s membrane in the macula. A progressive increase in these deposits (in some individuals) leads to macular blindness, following either the local loss of the retinal pigment epithelium (geographic atrophy) or the hemorrhage of new blood vessels that originate in the choroid and invade the compartment between the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (choroidal neovascularization). Over the last few years a number of mouse models for AMD have been described that replicate some of the changes manifest in the human disease. This chapter begins with a description of the hallmarks of AMD, discusses som...

Natural History of Drusenoid Pigment Epithelial Detachment in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Age-Related Eye Disease Study Report No. 28

Ophthalmology — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The natural history of eyes containing DPED is characterized by a high rate of progression to both CGA and NV-AMD. Among eyes not progressing to advanced AMD, progressive development of pigmentary changes and calcified drusen were observed. Decline of visual acuity is a common outcome, with or without progression to advanced forms of AMD.Financial Disclosure(s): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references. (Source: Ophthalmology)

Acucela Launches ENVISION Clarity Trial; Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Trial Of Oral Visual Cycle Modulator In Patients With Dry AMD

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:00:00 +0100

Acucela, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing new treatments for blinding eye diseases, today announced the launch of its ENVISION Clarity Trial, a Phase 2 clinical trial of ACU-4429, an investigational oral treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD). ACU-4429 is one of the only treatments in development that works to slow the eye's visual cycle for processing light. By slowing this cycle, ACU-4429 has demonstrated the ability to decrease the levels of toxic by-products in the eye and thereby potentially stop the advance of dry AMD... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Acucela Launches ENVISION Clarity Trial; Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Trial Of Oral Visual Cycle Modulator In Patients With Dry AMD

Eye Health / Optometry News From Medical News Today — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:00:00 +0100

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Phospholipid meets all-trans-retinal: the making of RPE bisretinoids [Thematic Reviews]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:23:49 +0100

The lipid phase of the photoreceptor outer segment membrane is essential to the photon capturing and signaling functions of rhodopsin. Rearrangement of phospholipids in the bilayer accompanies the formation of the active intermediates of rhodopsin following photon absorption. Furthermore, evidence for the formation of a condensation product between the photolyzed chromophore all-trans-retinal and phosphatidylethanolamine indicates that phospholipid may also participate in the movement of the retinoid in the membrane. The downside of these interactions is the formation of bisretinoid-phosphatidylethanolamine compounds that accumulate in retinal pigment epithelial cells with age and that are particularly abundant in some retinal disorders. The propensity of these compounds to negatively impa...

Combined cases of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and typical age-related macular degeneration

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:53:39 +0100

Conclusions Although some cases might include different stages of progression or probable cases of PCV, the combined cases in which one eye has PCV and the other eye has typical AMD suggest that those clinical entities are not independent and possibly overlap. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Retinal DisordersDOI 10.1007/s00417-009-1276-2Authors Ichiro Maruko, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology 1 Hikarigaoka Fukushima 960-1247 JapanTomohiro Iida, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology 1 Hikarigaoka Fukushima 960-1247 JapanMasaaki Saito, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology 1 Hikarigaoka Fukushima 960-1247 JapanDai Nagayama, Fukushima Medical Universi...

Prognostic Factors of Vitreous Hemorrhage Secondary to Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration

American Journal of Ophthalmology — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:10:28 +0100

Conclusions: PPV can improve visual acuity in the eyes with VH secondary to AMD, although effectiveness is limited. Medical practitioners should be cautious of the visual prognosis, especially in the cases in which the fellow eye has exudative AMD. (Source: American Journal of Ophthalmology)

Oraya enrolls eye radiation therapy trial

bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:38:08 +0100

Oraya Therapeutics Inc. is enrolling patients in a study to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of radiation therapy for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines)

Oraya enrolls eye radiation therapy trial

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:38:08 +0100

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Bevacizumab: Worsening of subclinical age-related macular degeneration following intravitreal administration in elderly patients: 2 case reports

Reactions — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:23:59 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Ambati to Receive International Award for AMD Research

UK College of Medicine News — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:18:56 +0100

Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati, professor and vice chairman of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Kentucky, has been selected the 2010 winner of the Roger Johnson MD Memorial Award in Macular Degeneration Research. The award recognizes outstanding contribution to the understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by a clinician or basic science researcher working anywhere in the world. "I am humbled to receive this prestigious award," Ambati said. "It is a tribute to the tremendous ingenuity and industry of my entire team of young scientists who are as dedicated as I am to hasten the day when blindness from AMD is a distant memory." (Source: UK College of Medicine News)

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration: decision making and optimal management

Eye — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Eye advance online publication, January 8, 2010. doi:10.1038/eye.2009.316 Author: S P Harding (Source: Eye)

The redox state of human serum albumin in eye diseases with and without complications

Acta Ophthalmologica — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Serum albumin is not shifted to more oxidized forms by localized oxidative stress, but it is in systemic diseases like DM. (Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)

Intravitreal bevacizumab for parapapillary choroidal neovascularization due to exudative age-related macular degeneration

Acta Ophthalmologica — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)

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Oraya Therapeutics Initiates First Ever Sham-Controlled Study Of Radiation Therapy For Wet AMD

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Oraya Therapeutics, Inc., announced that enrollment is now underway for the first ever masked and sham-controlled study to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of radiation therapy for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The groundbreaking clinical trial is being conducted at seven European sites, and will include a minimum of 150 patients, with approximately one third of those receiving a sham exposure and the remainder receiving radiation dosing of either 16 or 24 Gray (GY)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Oraya Therapeutics Initiates First Ever Sham-Controlled Study Of Radiation Therapy For Wet AMD

Eye Health / Optometry News From Medical News Today — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0100

It's never too late to quit smoking and save your vision, UCLA study of elderly women finds

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

This study sought to determine whether age influences the effects of smoking on AMD risk. Coleman and her colleagues followed a group of 1,958 women who underwent retinal photographs at five-year intervals, starting with a baseline exam at age 78. Four percent, or 75 of the women, smoked. ...

Laureate Pharma And Iconic Therapeutics Announce Production Of Clinical Material

Pharmaceutical Online News — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 06:34:00 +0100

Laureate Pharma, Inc., a full-service biopharmaceutical development and protein production company specializing in the development and GMP manufacture of monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins and other therapeutic protein products, and Iconic Therapeutics, a company focused on the development of treatments for wet adult macular degeneration (wet AMD) and other ophthalmic diseases, recently announced the completion of the manufacture of the first GMP lot of hI-con1 recombinant Fc-Factor VII fusion protein. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)

AMD Targeted at Molecular Level

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Valuable insight into the molecular beginnings of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the number one cause of vision loss in the elderly, has been revealed in the discovery of how two key proteins interact to naturally prevent the onset of the condition. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

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Discovery may help stop age-related macular degeneration at the molecular level

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Researchers have gleaned a key insight into the molecular beginnings of age-related macular degeneration, the No. 1 cause of vision loss in the elderly, by determining how two key proteins interact to naturally prevent the onset of the condition. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Attacking Age-Related Macular Degeneration At The Molecular Level

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Researchers at University College London say they have gleaned a key insight into the molecular beginnings of age-related macular degeneration, the No. 1 cause of vision loss in the elderly, by determining how two key proteins interact to naturally prevent the onset of the condition... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Attacking Age-Related Macular Degeneration At The Molecular Level

Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Oraya Therapeutics Initiates First Ever Sham-Controlled Study of Radiation Therapy for Wet AMD

HSMN NewsFeed — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:24:59 +0100

NEWARK, Calif.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Oraya Therapeutics, Inc., announced today that enrollment is now underway for the first ever masked and sham-controlled study to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of radiation therapy for the treatment of wet age-related ... Devices, OphthalmologyOraya Therapeutics, IRay , radiotherapy, macular degeneration (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)

Apical-to-Basolateral Transcytosis of Photoreceptor Outer Segments Induced by Lipid Peroxidation Products in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells [Retinal Cell Biology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:57:31 +0100

Modifications of POS proteins with lipid peroxidation products stabilize them against lysosomal degradation in human RPE cells and induce transcytosis with release of undegraded POS proteins in the sub-RPE space, a process that may contribute to sub-RPE deposit formation in AMD. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

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Protective Effect of Clusterin from Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells [Retinal Cell Biology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:57:31 +0100

This is the first report to elucidate that clusterin may protect human RPE cells from ROS-induced apoptosis through a PI3K/Akt survival pathway. It may also be helpful in the understanding that clusterin may play a special role in responding to the local redox environment of human RPE cells, and it suggests that clusterin could be further investigated as an alternative treatment blocking oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of AMD. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

The Effects of a Flexible Visual Acuity-Driven Ranibizumab Treatment Regimen in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Outcomes of a Drug and Disease Model [Physiology and Pharmacology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:57:30 +0100

A drug and disease model of ranibizumab in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) predicts that a flexible, visual acuity–guided regimen may sustain vision improvement after a once-monthly injection of ranibizumab for the initial 3 months. Individualized ranibizumab treatment could improve cost effectiveness and convenience of AMD treatment, while reducing drug administration–associated risks. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Association of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Specific Gene Expression Patterns in Peripheral White Blood Cells [Biochemistry and Molecular Biology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:57:27 +0100

Peripheral white blood cells from patients with age-related macular degeneration show characteristic gene expression patterns that are not underlined by the major risk single nucleotide polymorphisms or by white blood cell counts. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

The Involvement of Complement Factor B and Complement Component C2 in an Indian Cohort with Age-Related Macular Degeneration [Biochemistry and Molecular Biology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:57:27 +0100

The present study provides an independent validation of the association of rs547154 (C2) and rs641153 (CFB) SNPs with reduced risk of AMD in an Indian cohort. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)