vision loss 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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Toxic DNA Buildup in Eyes With Macular Degeneration Can Cause Blindness – Study

AHA Publisher — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 07:00:09 +0000

Jerusalem Post Staff via The Jerusalem Post – Scientists have discovered a buildup of damaging DNA in the eyes of patients with macular degeneration, which in turn could cause blindness. This new research comes from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and was published in the journal Science Advances. Scientists have suggested, according to their research, that common HIV drugs may help stop vision loss. The harmful DNA that is a threat to one’s eyes is referred to as the Alu DNA. According to the researchers, these new findings offer insights into how geographic atrophy progresses over time. “Although we’ve known that geographic atrophy expands over time, we didn’t know how or why,” said Ambati, of UVA’s Department of Ophthalmology and Center for Advanced Vision Science. Macular degeneration affects around 200 million people worldwide. Geographic atrophy is age-related and destroys the light-sensing portion of the eye. Ambati, a top expert in macular degeneration, discovered that this destruction is caused by the buildup of Alu DNA. Ambati concluded that Alu DNA triggers inflammation in the eye, which can be combated with HIV drugs such as nucleoside or NRTIs. Researchers discovered this by testing the drugs on lab mice.“Our findings from human eyes show that these toxic molecules, which activate the inflammasome, are most abundant precisely in the area of greatest disease activity,” Ambati said. To read the original article click here.

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New Connection Discovered Between Gut Microbiome and Eye Health

AHA Publisher — Wed, 05 May 2021 07:00:07 +0000

Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) via Newswise – Rockville, Md. – Preliminary research suggests possible application of manipulated gut bacteria may have therapeutic implications in treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The early model system is being presented at the 2021 Annual Meeting of The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), being hosted virtually this year. Dubbed the “gut-retina axis” by first author Sheldon Rowan, PhD, of the Nutrition and Vision Research team at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, the causal relationship between diet, the gut microbiome and eye disease had not yet been demonstrated. Therefore, Rowan has been conducting a series of experiments in mice to uncover the next steps to understand how gut microbiota affects eye health. In these experiments, mice that consumed western high glycemic (HG) diets developed multiple retinal lesions, consistent with the development of AMD-like disease. Lesions were associated with infiltration of retinal microglia/macrophages in the choroid and outer retina. Contrastingly, there were fewer lesions in mice consuming lower glycemic (LG) diets, or in HG-fed mice receiving fecal transplants from LG mice. Further, when mice were given antibiotics known to kill healthy gut bacteria, it led to degeneration of the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium in some mice. A combined analysis of fecal transplant and the antibiotic-based experiments revealed that retinal neuroprotection was associated with increased levels of Akkermansia, a commensal bacterium with known beneficial metabolic functions. HG-fed mice receiving LG fecal microbiota transplants also had improved glycemic control relative to HG-fed mice. Rowan’s studies confirm previously observed roles for commensal gut microbiota in mediating protection from diet-induced AMD. “Importantly, these protective effects could be transferred via fecal microbiota transplantation, indicating that microbiome-based therapies have therapeutic potential for AMD,” he explains. “Neuroprotection was associated with improved glycemic control, suggesting that metabolic reprogramming may be a critical component of the gut-retina axis, possibly via modulation of innate immune system function.” When asked about the potential implications of his research, Rowan says, “From the perspective of basic disease mechanisms, this research is opening up new avenues of investigation into AMD disease formation that might have been considered far-fetched in the past. The gut-retina axis is largely unexplored territory that includes components of the innate and adaptive immune systems. More work needs to be done to identify the precise mechanisms.” To read the original article click here.

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Blood Sugar Help: Research Reveals Multiple Benefits of Garlic for Diabetics

AHA Publisher — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Edit Lang via NaturalHealth365 – According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, in the U.S. alone, over 34 million people live with diabetes, and another 88 million with prediabetes. Add the two numbers together, and you end up with a “public health crisis.” It’s not a coincidence that the medical community often refers to diabetes as the “silent killer.” Interestingly, the disease takes years to develop with the majority missing the early warning signs. Tragically, when diagnosed, most people are shocked to learn they have the disease. Late diagnosis can lead to a host of unwanted complications like, heart disease, stroke, kidney and nerve disorders, vision loss, and other health issues. While medications are the primary way to reduce diabetes-related complications, research suggests that adding garlic to your prescription protocol offers additional benefits against diabetes-related adverse health effects. Of course, whenever possible, the best case scenario would be to work with a qualified (integrative) healthcare provider that can help you to eliminate the need for toxic medications. Garlic Lowers Blood Glucose Levels, Studies Show In a clinical study, researchers put garlic extract to the test to see how effective it was in improving blood sugar control. They also assessed its cholesterol-lowering ability in type 2 diabetic patients. While the trial was smaller-scale and only included 60 patients, the findings were notable. The trial included patients with Fasting blood glucose (FBG) of at least 126 mg/dL A1C over 6.5% Once enrolled, the study authors divided patients into two groups: Group 1 received: metformin only (two or three times a day) Group 2 received: metformin (two or three times a day) plus 250 mg garlic extract twice daily At the end of 12 weeks, the group taking the garlic extract saw a more significant FBG reduction than the group taking metformin alone. A meta-analysis of seven other trials with 513 patients also confirmed garlic’s favorable effect on fasting blood sugar. Improved fasting blood sugar was not the only benefit of adding garlic to metformin. The metformin plus garlic powder group also experienced a greater reduction in postprandial glucose (PPG) levels. Garlic REDUCES Cholesterol Levels and Slows Down the Progression of Heart Disease in People With Diabetes Having to face the increased risk of severe adverse health effects is one of the most challenging aspects of living with diabetes. To reduce the risk of heart disease, people with diabetes should pay close attention to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Once again, garlic demonstrated its cholesterol-lowering effect in the same 12-week study. Adding garlic to metformin yielded: greater reduction of total cholesterol, triglyceride level, and LDL (bad cholesterol) more substantial increase in HDL (good cholesterol) Dozens of studies on garlic confirm similarly impressive results. Evidence also shows that garlic can slow and stall heart disease. One study compared garlic powder tablets to placebo for three months. Interestingly, while the placebo group got worse, heart disease progression slowed in the garlic group. But Wait, That’s Not All! Garlic Reduces Inflammation and Lowers Blood Pressure Sadly, garlic rarely gets credit for all the goodness it offers. It improves our health in countless ways and guards against various diseases. Most people do not know that garlic has medicinal properties and is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C, vitamin B6, and minerals such as selenium, iron, and calcium are all part of this medicinal plant. Likely the most remarkable compound of the plant is allicin that is produced when you crush or chop garlic. Allicin is the major biologically active component of garlic that reduces inflammation and offers antioxidant benefits. Researchers also believe that garlic’s ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure is also due to its allicin content. As a side note: wouldn’t it be wonderful if we saw more researchers comparing the results generated from groups of people only taking natural substances compared to their “medication groups?” I guess the pharmaceutical industry wouldn’t be too happy about that kind of work. Super Simple Ways to Reap Garlic’s Benefits for Diabetes If you enjoy the intense taste of raw garlic, eat 1 to 2 cloves daily to get its health benefits. You can enjoy garlic in various ways. But, for maximum benefit, it’s best to eat it raw and fresh. You can mince or press garlic and sprinkle it on top of your salads or veggie dishes. Try flavoring your rice and quinoa dishes with garlic to make it a regular part of your daily diet. While raw garlic is best, garlic can also offer benefits when cooked. Add it to soups, steamed, and stir-fried recipes. There are several other simple ways to consume garlic. One is by blending it into your favorite salad dressing or mixing it into your hummus and salsa recipes. However, if garlic’s strong flavor does not appeal to you, consider odor-free garlic capsules as an alternative. Sources for this article include: CDC.gov, NIH.gov, NaturalHealthResearch.org, NIH.gov, NIH.gov, NIH.gov, NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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