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]
Category: Research and Developments
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]
RDH5 Gene Mutation Can Cause Macular Dystrophy
by Dan Roberts September 2003 Japanese researchers have found that mutations in the RDH5 gene can cause macular dystrophy, fundus albipunctatus, and/or night blindness. Twenty-one patients from nineteen different families with fundus albipunctatus were analyzed. Ten of the patients had macular dystrophy. In eighteen, mutations were found in the RDH5. The patients were tested using [Read More]
Accutane May Inhibit Progression of Stargardt's Disease
by Dan Roberts April 2003 Accutane, a prescription drug used to treat acne, has been shown to inhibit the development of lipofuscin deposits in the retinas of rodent models. This is promising news for people with Stargardt’s disease. The author of the study is Dr. Gabriel Travis, professor of ophthalmology and biological chemistry at the [Read More]
New Retinal Vessels Formed From Stem Cells
by Dan Roberts August, 2002 Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have succeeded in forming new retinal blood vessels in mice with ocular disease. The process uses “pluripotent” adult stem cells, which are derived from bone marrow and injected into the vitreous of the eyeball. When in place, these cells develop into endothelial cells [Read More]