nerve damage Archives - Amazing Health Advances

New Drug Shows Promise in Restoring Vision for People with Nerve Damage

The AHA! Team — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 05:24:11 +0000

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus via EurekAlert! – Research from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus reveals drug could potentially help repair vision in those with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions. Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have found a promising drug candidate that could help restore vision in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions that damage neurons. The study was published this week in the journal Nature Communications. The drug, LL-341070, enhances the brain’s ability to repair damaged myelin— the protective sheath around nerve fibers. Damage to myelin is a hallmark of diseases like MS, as well as a natural consequence of aging, often resulting in vision loss, loss of motor skills, and cognitive decline. The research, focused on vision, demonstrated that while the brain has some ability to repair itself when myelin is damaged, the process can be slow and inefficient. Researchers observed that LL-341070 significantly accelerated the repair process and improved brain function related to vision in mice, even after severe damage. “This research brings us closer to a world where the brain has the capacity to heal itself” “This research brings us closer to a world where the brain has the capacity to heal itself” said Ethan Hughes, PhD, co-lead author and associate professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the CU School of Medicine. “By harnessing this potential, we hope to help people with diseases like MS by potentially reversing some of the damage, offering people the opportunity to regain their vision and cognitive function.” Researchers discovered that the treatment makes the repair process is much more effective following serious damage, highlighting the importance of intervention with severe injury. Even partial repair of myelin was found to significantly improve vision-related brain functions. “We’ve known for years that myelin plays a crucial role in brain function” “We’ve known for years that myelin plays a crucial role in brain function,” said Daniel Denman, PhD, co-lead author of the study and assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the CU School of Medicine. “This study highlights the role of cortical myelin in visual function. The drug could be a game-changer because it accelerates the brain’s natural repair mechanisms.” The researchers plan to test the drug in other areas of the brain and refine the treatment, hoping to make it even more effective and eventually accessible to patients. “This discovery is just the beginning,” Hughes said. “We are optimistic that LL-341070 and similar therapies could one day provide real, tangible benefits to patients by improving overall brain function and quality of life.” About the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes and two nationally ranked independent hospitals – UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado – which see more than two million adult and pediatric patient visits yearly. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by $910 million in annual research funding, including $757 million in sponsored awards and $153 million in philanthropic gifts. Journal Nature Communications To read the original article click here.

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Chemotherapy Linked to Persistent Nerve Pain in 4 in 10 Cancer Patients

The AHA! Team — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:33:48 +0000

BMJ Group via News-Medical – The drugs used to treat cancer damage healthy cells and tissues, including the nervous system. Worldwide, cancer chemotherapy is linked to persistent severe peripheral nerve pain (neuropathy) for around 4 in every 10 patients treated with these drugs, suggests a pooled data analysis of the available evidence, published in the open access journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. Notwithstanding wide regional variations, platinum based drugs, taxanes, and lung cancer seem to be associated with the highest rates of persistent painful neuropathy, lasting at least 3 months, the findings suggest, prompting the researchers to call for tailored approaches to pain relief. The drugs used to treat cancer damage healthy cells and tissues, including the nervous system. The effects can manifest in movement disturbances, such as loss of balance or coordination, and sensory disturbances, such as loss of sensation; numbness, tingling, “pins and needles”; or a burning sensation on the skin. Several factors influence the frequency and severity of chronic peripheral neuropathic pain, including type and dose of chemotherapy, pre-existing neuropathy, and the use of other drugs that can damage the nervous system, explain the researchers. The condition is thought to be caused by direct peripheral nerve cell damage which disrupts or rewires normal nerve signalling pathways, resulting in persistent pain, they add. Prompted by the growing number of cancer survivors and increasingly aggressive treatment of the disease, the researchers wanted to gauge the global prevalence of chronic painful peripheral neuropathy linked to chemotherapy. They scoured research databases for relevant studies published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on potentially influential sociodemographic, clinical, and methodological (study design, funding source, for example) factors. In all, they pooled the results of 77 eligible studies, involving 10,962 participants from 28 countries, all of whom had peripheral neuropathy that was associated with cancer drug treatment. In 4545 of these participants, this was painful and persistent, lasting for at least 3 months. The highest number of studies were carried out in the US (13) and Japan (10), and almost half were prospective observational studies. The cancers that featured most often were those of the bowel (25; 33%) and breast (17; 22%), while the largest proportion of studies focused on patients treated with either platinum based agents (13;17%), or taxanes (11; just over 14%), or both (6 ;8%), or the FOLFOX combination of folinic acid plus 5-fluorouracil plus oxalplatin (5; 6.5%). Pooled data analysis of the study results showed that the overall prevalence of persistent painful peripheral neuropathy was just over 41%. When stratified further, the analysis indicated that the highest prevalence was among patients treated with platinum based agents (40.5%) and taxanes (just over 38%). Prevalence was lowest among those treated with the FOLFOX combination (16.5%). Prevalence was also highest among those with primary lung cancer (just over 62%), possibly because of the complexities of treatment for this disease, suggest the researchers. Prevalence was lowest among those with primary ovarian cancer (31.5%) and lymphoma (36%). When stratified by continent, studies of patients in Asia reported the highest prevalence of persistent painful neuropathy (46.5%), while studies of patients in Europe reported the lowest (36%). Prevalence rates were similar in both men and women. The researchers emphasize that the design and methodology of the included studies differed substantially. And the overall certainty of evidence was considered to be low. Researchers emphasize that the design and methodology of the included studies differed substantially But they write: “Understanding the prevalence and predictors of chronic painful [chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy] is critical for promoting early diagnosis and developing personalized treatment strategies. “Our findings emphasize that chronic painful [chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy] represents a substantial global health challenge, affecting more than 40% of those diagnosed with [it].” And they conclude: “The wide variability in prevalence rates across different countries, continents, chemotherapy regimens, and primary cancer history underscores the need for tailored strategies to address this debilitating condition. “Future studies should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying these disparities and developing interventions that can reduce the burden of chronic painful [chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy] globally.” Source: BMJ Group Journal reference: D’Souza, R. S., et al. (2025). Global estimates of prevalence of chronic painful neuropathy among patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: systematic review and meta-analysis of data from 28 countries, 2000–24. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. doi.org/10.1136/rapm-2024-106229 To read the original article click here.

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CDC Study: Significantly Higher Lyme Disease Rates Among Older Adults Than Previously Reported

The AHA! Team — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 08:24:32 +0000

Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph.D. via News-Medical – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in association with the University of Iowa, USA, has conducted an epidemiological study to determine the incidence rate of Lyme disease among older adults in the United States. The study is published in the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. Background Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a vector-borne bacterial infection caused by a species of Borrelia bacteria that spreads to humans by the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). The main symptoms are fever, headache, fatigue, and a specific type of skin rash called erythema migrans. While Lyme disease can present with a characteristic erythema migrans rash, it can also lead to severe complications if left untreated, including facial nerve paralysis, arthritis, and even heart rhythm irregularities. In the United States, Lyme disease most commonly occurs in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest regions. Previous studies estimating the prevalence of the disease have used employer-sponsored insurance claims data to quantify the disease diagnoses. However, this type of data does not include information on individuals aged 65 years and above who exhibit higher susceptibility to Lyme disease than their younger peers. In this study, scientists have determined the incidence of Lyme disease among older adults in the United States using Medicare fee-for-service data that includes information on individuals aged 65 years and above. Study design The study analyzed Medicare fee-for-service data together with drug treatment data to identify Lyme disease diagnoses among individuals aged 65 years and above. The data collected during 2016 – 2019 was included in the analysis. The Medicare fee-for-service study population was compared with the 2019 US Census estimation data for individuals aged 65 years and above to ensure that the two groups were age-, sex-, race-, ethnicity- and region-matched. Lyme disease diagnoses identified in the Medicare fee-for-service data were compared with the confirmed and probable cases among individuals aged 65 years and above obtained through national surveillance. However, the study also notes certain limitations, such as slight differences between the Medicare fee-for-service population and the U.S. Census population regarding race, ethnicity, and sex. These differences, though small, were stable throughout the study period. Important observations The Medicare fee-for-service population included in the study was estimated to have a median of 17,872,466 person-years during the study period, as compared to the US Census population of 51,561,372 individuals aged 65 years and above. Person-years refer to the number of years for which persons contribute data. The proportion of individuals from neighboring high-incidence states was higher in the Medicare population than in the US Census population. Incidence of Lyme disease A total of 88,485 Lyme disease cases were identified in the Medicare population during the 2016-2019 study period. This corresponded to an average incidence of 123.5 diagnoses per 100,000 person-years. The total number of Lyme disease cases reported through public health surveillance during the same period was 34,183. This corresponded to an average incidence of 16.6 cases per 100,000 persons. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a bullseye rash. Approximately 82% of Lyme disease cases were identified among individuals residing in high-incidence states. The median incidence of Lyme disease diagnoses was 346.9 per 100,000 person-years among residents of high-incidence states, 35.3 per 100,000 person-years among residents of states or jurisdictions neighboring high-incidence states, and 29.4 per 100,000 person-years among residents of low-incidence states. Public health surveillance data revealed that about 93% of Lyme disease cases were among residents of high-incidence states. The median incidence of these cases was 57.1 per 100,000 persons among residents of high-incidence states, 3.6 per 100,000 persons among residents of states or jurisdictions neighboring high-incidence states, and 0.6 per 100,000 persons among residents of low-incidence states. The majority of Lyme disease diagnoses occurred in the summer months. Among residents of low-incidence states, a large proportion of disease diagnoses occurred in winter months. According to Medicare and surveillance data, the majority of Lyme disease cases were identified among men. In high-incidence states, men had the highest incidence of Lyme disease for all age groups. In low-incidence states, women had a slightly higher incidence than men only in the 65–69-year age group and 75–79-year age group. Study significance The study identified more than 88,000 adults aged 65 years and above diagnosed and treated with Lyme disease during 2016 – 2019 in the United States. Most Lyme disease cases have been identified among residents of high-incidence states. The study reports a 7-fold higher incidence of Lyme disease diagnoses compared to that reported through public health surveillance. These findings are similar to the findings reported in previous claims analyses. The study also acknowledges the issue of overdiagnosis, which may partly explain the differences observed between the Medicare data and public health surveillance data. Overdiagnosis has been reported in other analyses and may contribute to the higher incidence rates observed in this older population. A variation in Lyme disease seasonality has been observed when Medicare fee-for-service data is compared with surveillance data. Some differences in gender-specific disease susceptibility have also been observed when this study is compared with previous claims analyses. Antibiotics like doxycycline are effective treatments. In previous claims analyses, male children have shown higher susceptibility to Lyme disease in both high- and low-incidence states. In contrast, male older adults have shown higher susceptibility in high-incidence states. Overall, the study findings add insight into Lyme disease patterns unique to this older population in the United States. Journal reference: Schwartz AM. 2024. Epidemiology of Lyme Disease Diagnoses among Older Adults, United States, 2016–2019. Emerging Infectious Diseases. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/9/24-0454_article To read the original article click here.

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Discover the Important “Across-the-Board” Health Benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid

AHA Publisher — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 07:00:48 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – When it comes to the health status of millions of Americans, there is definitely room for improvement. And, that’s putting it mildly. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a stunning two out of three adults in the United States are currently either overweight or obese. In addition, the American Heart Association reports that over 34 percent of American adults live with metabolic syndrome – a cluster of undesirable conditions that includes high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, and excessive abdominal fat. Unfortunately, this common syndrome greatly increases the chance of developing potentially life-threatening conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and type 2 diabetes. Some researchers believe that alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) can support metabolic health, thereby helping to protect against metabolic syndrome and the chronic diseases that may accompany it. In a recent scientific review published in Biomolecules, the authors credit ALA with “promising effects” and “clinically valuable properties.” Let’s see what’s causing scientists to be so enthusiastic about this natural compound – and explore how it contributes to overall health. Alpha-Lipoic Acid Is a “Team Player” That Facilitates the Actions of Other Antioxidants Alpha-lipoic acid is found in the mitochondria (the tiny “power stations” of the cells), where it is needed for a variety of enzymatic reactions – including those involved in cellular energy generation and blood sugar metabolism. ALA, which happens to be both fat- and water-soluble, is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes harmful reactive oxygen species both inside and outside the cells. (In fact, it is sometimes referred to as the “universal antioxidant.”) Not only that, but ALA boosts the power of other important antioxidants in the body, such as coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A. In addition, ALA contributes to the production of glutathione – the body’s premier detoxifier of potential carcinogens and toxins by increasing the uptake of the amino acid cysteine, a glutathione building block. ALA is also believed to chelate dangerous heavy metals and help flush them from the body. Early studies suggest that it may help protect the liver from cadmium exposure and protect the nervous system from mercury poisoning. (By the way, the first clinical use of ALA was in 1959, when it was used to treat poisoning from the “death cap” Amanita phalloides mushroom.) Alpha-Lipoic Acid Improves Glycemic Control and May Alleviate Complications of Type 2 Diabetes ALA is believed to help maintain healthy blood sugar by supporting insulin sensitivity and reducing fats in the blood. (Healthy blood sugar levels reduce the risk of diabetes, which currently affects over 37 million Americans and increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, neuropathic pain, and even stroke.) While more research is needed, some small clinical studies have suggested that ALA can support healthy blood glucose levels and improve insulin resistance. Alpha-lipoic acid may also help ease nerve damage in the extremities, which causes burning, numbness, and tingling – a common complication of chronic high blood sugar levels. In one recent 40-day trial of diabetic patients with neuropathy, published in the Journal of International Medical Research, supplementation with 600 mg of ALA a day reduced major neuropathic symptoms, improved quality of life, and lowered fats in the blood. ALA has also been shown to improve the health of the endothelium – the delicate lining of blood vessels – in metabolic syndrome patients. Neuroprotective Alpha-Lipoic Acid May Support Cognitive Health While more human studies are needed, animal studies have shown that ALA causes marked improvements in learning and memory retention – and even mitigates brain damage after a stroke. Researchers speculate that it might accomplish this feat by regenerating glutathione, which is often depleted after a cerebrovascular event such as a stroke. Furthermore, the authors of the new review note that ALA helps to protect neurons against damage from amyloid-beta plaques (harmful deposits in the brain implicated in Alzheimer’s disease). ALA also promotes the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for learning and memory. By reducing levels of pro-inflammatory chemicals such as interleukin-6, ALA is thought to decrease the inflammation that plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease. Clearly, these early studies highlight the potential of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ALA to protect and enhance brain health. Increase ALA Intake Through Diet and Supplementation Good dietary sources of alpha-lipoic acid include grass-fed beef, organ meats, dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes, and peas. However, supplementation might be necessary to maintain optimal levels. Natural health experts recommend using the R-dihydrolipoic acid formulation, which is thought to be the most bioavailable. (Pro tip: for maximum benefit, some natural healers recommend taking ALA with a B complex vitamin). Integrative healthcare providers may recommend 200 mg to 400 mg of ALA a day, taken on an empty stomach half an hour before a meal. Of course, consult your own qualified practitioner before supplementing. Incidentally, ALA may also protect against cataracts, support strong bones, and reduce head and neck tension intensity and frequency. No doubt, with its activity against “bad guys” such as environmental toxins, free radicals, and reactive oxygen species, alpha-lipoic acid has earned its reputation as a versatile tool for supporting overall health and well-being. Sources for this article include: LifeExtension.com NIH.gov OregonState.edu Heart.org CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

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New Technology Restores Sense of Touch to Damaged Nerves

AHA Publisher — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 07:06:18 +0000

Nicky Blackburn via Israel21c – A groundbreaking technology that can restore the sense of touch to nerves damaged as a result of amputation or injury has been developed by a team of scientists in Israel. The technology, developed at Tel Aviv University and tested so far only in animals, involves a tiny sensor implanted in the nerve of the injured limb, and connected directly to a healthy nerve. Every time the limb touches an object, the sensor – which does not require electricity, wires or batteries — is activated and conducts an electric current to the functioning nerve, recreating the sense of touch. “Loss of sensation can result from a very wide range of injuries, from minor wounds – like someone chopping a salad and accidentally cutting himself with the knife – to very serious injuries,” said Ben Maoz from the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, and one of the leaders of the research. Work on the sensor began after a chance meeting between Maoz and a surgeon, Dr. Amir Arami, from the Sackler School of Medicine and the Microsurgery Unit in the Department of Hand Surgery at Sheba Medical Center. “We were talking about the challenges we face in our work and Dr. Arami shared with me the difficulty he experiences in treating people who have lost tactile sensation in one organ or another as a result of injury,” said Maoz. “Even if the wound can be healed and the injured nerve can be sutured, in many cases the sense of touch remains damaged. People lacking tactile sensation cannot feel if their finger is being crushed, burned or frozen.” “We decided to tackle this challenge together, and find a solution that will restore tactile sensation to those who have lost it,” he added. The researchers, working with a team of five other scientists, developed a sensor that can be implanted on a damaged nerve under the tip of the finger and connected to another nerve that functions properly. The device consists of two tiny plates less than half a centimeter by half a centimeter in size. When these plates come into contact with each other, they release an electric charge that is transmitted to the undamaged nerve. A Normal Sensation of Touch When the injured finger touches something, the touch releases tension corresponding to the pressure applied to the device – weak tension for a weak touch and strong tension for a strong touch – just like in a normal sense of touch. Unlike existing technologies that use sensors to replace damaged nerves, batteries and electricity are not required to power the new sensor, the scientists explained, as it works on frictional force – whenever the device senses friction, it charges itself. The device can be implanted in a simple process anywhere in the body where tactile sensation needs to be restored, and bypasses damaged sensory organs. It is developed from biocompatible material that is safe to use in the human body, does not require maintenance and is not visible externally. “We tested our device on animal models, and the results were very encouraging,” said Maoz, adding that the team will continue animal trials before they move to clinical trials. “At a later stage [we will] implant our sensors in the fingers of people who have lost the ability to sense touch. Restoring this ability can significantly improve people’s functioning and quality of life, and more importantly, protect them from danger.” The study was published in the journal ACS Nano. Other scientists involved in the sensor development include Iftach Shlomy, Shay Divald, and Yael Leichtmann-Bardoogo from the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, and Keshet Tadmor from the Sagol School of Neuroscience. To read the original article click here. For more information from Israel21c click here.

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Cashew Shell Compound Appears to Mend Damaged Nerves

AHA Publisher — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 07:00:10 +0000

Vanderbilt University Medical Center via EurekAlert – In laboratory experiments, a chemical compound found in the shell of the cashew nut promotes the repair of myelin, a team from Vanderbilt University Medical Center reports today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Myelin is a protective sheath surrounding nerves. Damage to this covering — demyelination — is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis and related diseases of the central nervous system. “We see this as an exciting finding, suggesting a new avenue in the search for therapies to correct the ravages of MS and other demyelinating diseases,” said the paper’s senior author, Subramaniam Sriram, MBBS, William C. Weaver III Professor of Neurology and chief of the Division of Neuroimmunology. Previous work led by Sriram showed that a protein called interleukin 33, or IL-33, induced myelin formation. IL-33 is, among other things, an immune response regulator, and multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder. The cashew shell compound is called anacardic acid. Sriram and team grew interested in it because it’s known to inhibit an enzyme involved in gene expression called histone acetyltransferase, or HAT, and the team had discovered that whatever inhibits HAT induces production of IL-33. The report includes a range of new findings that point to potential therapeutic use of anacardic acid for demyelinating diseases: In vitro, the addition of the compound to rat cells most responsible for myelination — oligodendrocyte precursor cells, or OPCs — spurred induction of IL-33 and rapidly increased the expression of myelin genes and proteins, including dose-dependent increases in myelin basic protein; In two animal models of demyelination, treatment with the compound increased the relative presence of IL-33-expressing OPCs and led to reduced paralysis; In an animal model of demyelination treated with the compound, dissection and electron microscopy showed dose-dependent increases in myelination. “These are striking results that clearly urge further study of anarcardic acid for demyelinating diseases,” Sriram said. To read the original article click here.

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Researchers Discover Stem Cells in Optic Nerve That Preserve Vision

AHA Publisher — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 07:00:03 +0000

University of Maryland School of Medicine via EurekAlert – Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) have for the first time identified stem cells in the region of the optic nerve, which transmits signals from the eye to the brain. The finding, published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), presents a new theory on why the most common form of glaucoma may develop and provides potential new ways to treat a leading cause of blindness in American adults. “We believe these cells, called neural progenitor cells, are present in the optic nerve tissue at birth and remain for decades, helping to nourish the nerve fibers that form the optic nerve,” said study leader Steven Bernstein, MD, PhD, Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “Without these cells, the fibers may lose their resistance to stress, and begin to deteriorate, causing damage to the optic nerve, which may ultimately lead to glaucoma.” The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Eye Institute (NEI), and a number of distinguished researchers served as co-authors on the study. More than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, which results from damage to the optic nerve, causing blindness in 120,000 U.S. patients. This nerve damage is usually related to increased pressure in the eye due to a buildup of fluid that does not drain properly. Blind spots can develop in a patient’s visual field that gradually widen over time. “This is the first time that neural progenitor cells have been discovered in the optic nerve. Without these cells, the nerve is unable to repair itself from damage caused by glaucoma or other conditions. This may lead to permanent vision loss and disability,” said Dr. Bernstein. “The presence of neural stem/progenitor cells opens the door to new treatments to repair damage to the optic nerve, which is very exciting news.” To make the research discovery, Dr. Bernstein and his team examined a narrow band of tissue called the optic nerve lamina. Less than 1 millimeter wide, the lamina lies between the light-sensitive retina tissue at the back of the eye and the optic nerve. The long nerve cell fibers extend from the retina through the lamina, into the optic nerve. What the researchers discovered is that the lamina progenitor cells may be responsible for insulating the fibers immediately after they leave the eye, supporting the connections between nerve cells on the pathway to the brain. The stem cells in the lamina niche bathes these neuron extensions with growth factors, as well as aiding in the formation of the insulating sheath. The researchers were able to confirm the presence of these stem cells by using antibodies and genetically modified animals that identified the specific protein markers on neuronal stem cells. “It took 52 trials to successfully grow the lamina progenitor cells in a culture,” said Dr. Bernstein, “so this was a challenging process.” Dr. Bernstein and his collaborators needed to identify the correct mix of growth factors and other cell culture conditions that would be most conducive for the stem cells to grow and replicate. Eventually the research team found the stem cells could be coaxed into differentiating into several different types of neural cells. These include neurons and glial cells, which are known to be important for cell repair and cell replacement in different brain regions. This discovery may prove to be game-changing for the treatment of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve. Dr. Bernstein and his research team plan to use genetically modified mice to see how the depletion of lamina progenitor cells contributes to diseases such as glaucoma and prevents repair. Future research is needed to explore the neural progenitors repair mechanisms. “If we can identify the critical growth factors that these cells secrete, they may be potentially useful as a cocktail to slow the progression of glaucoma and other age-related vision disorders.” Dr. Bernstein added. The work was supported by NEI grant RO1EY015304, and by a National Institutes of Health shared instrument grant 1S10RR26870-1. “This exciting discovery could usher in a sea change in the field of age-related diseases that cause vision loss,” said E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, UM Baltimore, and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean, University of Maryland School of Medicine. “New treatment options are desperately needed for the millions of patients whose vision is severely impacted by glaucoma, and I think this research will provide new hope for them.” To read the original article click here.

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