by Dan Roberts (Updated November 13, 2005) According to a report in the April 2003 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology (2003;121:478-482.), the bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae may lead to a higher risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The researchers found that people with AMD tend to carry higher levels of antibodies targeted against C. pneumoniae, [Read More]
Category: Research and Developments
Stem Cells Have Restored Vision
by Dan Roberts November 2004 Scientists from Harvard’s Schepens Eye Research Institute have, for the first time, successfully improved the vision of mice with transplanted stem cells. Neural stem (progenitor) cells were obtained from day-old mice and grafted into the degenerating retinas of mature mice. The transplanted cells were then seen to develop into mature [Read More]
Second AMD Gene Discovered
A second gene, called fibulin 5, has been shown to be related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The discovery was announced in the July 22, 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine by a team from the Research Center for Macular Degeneration and Allied Retinal Diseases at the University of Iowa. Earlier research [Read More]
C-reactive Protein Levels Connected to Macular Degeneration
by Dan Roberts There has been a good deal of excitement about the possible connection between the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood and various diseases, including macular degeneration. CRP is responsible for the healing benefit of inflammation that occurs when a part of the body is in trouble. If, however, the level [Read More]
FFB-Sponsored Study Leads to Discovery of New AMD Gene
(Press release from the Foundation Fighting Blindness) October 21, 2003 An exciting gene discovery by an FFB-funded researcher adds to the growing proof that macular degeneration can be hereditary. This is the first gene mutation found that is directly tied to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The discovery of this gene mutation bolsters hope for a [Read More]