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January, 2010

Stem Cells & RPE Cells

Promising Research on differentiating adult stem cells to replace lost RPE cells for those with Macular Degeneration

Adult stem cells were coaxed into differentiating into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, critical for preserving vision for those with macular degeneration. This study was done in vitro and in vivo following transplantation into the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) dystrophic rat.

More research needs to be done to see the application of this technique for humans.

Citation: Carr A-J, Vugler AA, Hikita ST, Lawrence JM, Gias C, et al. (2009) Protective Effects of Human iPS-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Transplantation in the Retinal Dystrophic Rat. PLoS ONE 4(12): e8152. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0008152?

Editor's Note: See information on nutrients and macular degeneration.

Canadian Study: Large Increase In Cases of Computer Eye Strain Reported

According to a study released December, 2009, by the Canadian Association of Optometrists, baby boomers are spending on average of 7.5 hours a day peering at computers, televisions, cellphones and smartphones.

While both men and women are suffering eye strain with long hours at the computer, women are reporting more eye and vision ailments associated with their screen time than men, particularly related to dry eyes.

Optometrists are seeing more patients with CVS syndrome than they were five years ago, and 40 per cent of baby boomers aged 45 to 54 associate their eye and vision problems with prolonged screen time, higher than any other age group, according to a survey conducted by Leger Marketing for the Canadian Association of Optometrists.

CAO National Office, 234 Argyle Ave., Ottawa, ON K2P 1B9 613-235-7924

Editor's Note: Our visual system was designed for hunting and gathering, and not for extensive near work as demanded by today's work and educational needs. Taking regular breaks from the computer to relax the eyes and do eye exercises can go a long way in preventing and/or managing CVS. Supplementing with nutrients such as Astaxanthin, Lutein and Black Currant Seed Oil can also help relieve eyestrain.

See more information on natural eye care and computer eye strain.

New Study Shows Possible Correlation of Low Blood Levels of Melatonin and Higher Risk of Macular Degeneration

After adjustment for the factors of age, smoking, and histories of cancer and coronary heart disease, researchers found that urinary levels of melatonin was 40% lower in AMD patients compared than that of the age-and gender-matched controls.

The researchers concluded: "The significance of this result and the role of melatonin in the occurrence of AMD require further investigation."

Ref: Molecular Vision (Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level in age-related macular degeneration patients. Molecular Vision, 2009;15(179-80):1673-1679).

Editor's Note: Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone (derived from serotonin) that is both endocrine (enters the bloodstream from a pineal gland) and paracrine (signaling cell phenomenon, like the signals sent by the retina when light is low signaling it is "time to sleep"). Melatonin, besides being a sleep hormone, is a very powerful antioxidant, anti-aging agent, immunoregulator, anti-depressant and sexual dysfunction regulator.

Natural Foods That Help Lower Cholesterol

There are several foods that help lower cholesterol levels such as oat bran, fruits like apples and walnuts. These foods help lower LDL ("bad cholesterol") because they contain soluble fiber.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods such as salmon, flax seed and fish oil pills reduce cholesterol. Olive oil is excellent to add to your diet, especially if it is replacing unhealthy fats such as vegetable oils and saturated fats. Other nutrients that lower cholesterol include Red Rice Yeast and Nattokinase which is a fibrinolytic enzyme produced from Natto, a Japanese fermented soy food.

Editor's Note: See more information on lowering cholesterol naturally.

Elevated Blood Levels of Cysteine May Be Important Indicator for Predicting Heart Disease

In a study of more than 1,200 people undergoing cardiac imaging at Emory because of suspected heart disease, people with high levels of cysteine in the blood were twice as likely to have a heart attack or die over the next few years.

Cysteine could be a valuable marker of cardiovascular risk, but it also has direct harmful effect on cells, so reducing it may be a valuable treatment strategy, according to researchers. Cysteine is itself a short-lived precursor to glutathione, one of the main antioxidants found inside cells.

We need to have a continuous supply of cysteine, but it is too reactive for us to have very much at any one time. Smoking and alcohol consumption are also linked with higher levels of oxidized cysteine.

Editor's Notes: Current research is showing other indicators to be much more accurate in predicting future heart disease than cholesterol levels including C-Reactive Protein levels, Homocysteine levels and possibly now oxidized cysteine levels. See more information on nutrition and heart disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids boost glucosamine's arthritis benefit

In the September 2009 issue of the journal Advances in Therapy, German researchers report that the addition of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to the over-the-counter arthritis treatment glucosamine sulfate resulted in improved alleviation of symptoms compared to glucosamine alone. The trial is the first, to the authors' knowledge, to test the combination in patients with osteoarthritis.

Editor's Note: See an excellent fish oil.

Stifled Anger at Work Doubles Men's Risk for Heart Attack

Men who consistently failed to express their resentment over conflicts with a fellow worker or supervisor were more than twice as likely to have a heart attack or die of heart disease as those who vented their anger, claims a report in the Nov. 24 online edition of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

In fact, ignoring an ongoing work-related conflict was associated with a tripled risk of heart attack or coronary death, the study of almost 2,800 Swedish working men found.

The findings echo those from a study published last year in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine. That study, also from Sweden and involving more than 3,100 men, found that having an overbearing or incompetent boss boosted workers' odds for angina, heart attack and death.

A study, conducted by the Swedish researchers in 2005, found that women did not have the same levels of cardiovascular risk factors as men.

Editor's Note1: These studies show the importance of offering tools and support to teach people how to manage and express their anger in a safe and constructive manner.

Editor's Note2: Most complementary care modalities have long recognized the strong correlation of "excessive" chronic emotions and disease. In Chinese medicine, emotions play a strong role in disease and determining treatment strategies, including repressed anger impairing the Liver (meridian) which can result in a wide range of illnesses and eye diseases (including glaucoma, dry eyes and eye inflammatory conditions), grief affecting the Kidneys (meridians) and sadness affecting the Stomach/Spleen (meridians).

The Deadly Connection Between Diabetes and Alzheimer's

Numerous studies connect diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease.

A study in 2004 examined the association between type II diabetes, high insulin levels, and Alzheimer's risk. A total of 683 men and women were followed and examined for signs of Alzheimer's and increased insulin levels. As in the earlier study, the scientists found that high insulin levels, which are intimately connected to type II diabetes, were significantly correlated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's.

Luchsinger JA, Tang MX, Shea S, Mayeux R. Hyperinsulinemia and risk of Alzheimer disease. Neurology. 2004 Oct 12;63(7):1187-92.

The possible mechanism by which high insulin levels are linked to Alzheimer's was described in a 2005 study published in the Archives of Neurology. Researchers showed that by mimicking high insulin levels (such as those seen in patients with insulin resistance and type II diabetes) in 16 healthy men ranging in age from 55 to 81, they were able to elevate inflammatory markers and beta amyloid levels in the brain, two characteristics of Alzheimer's disease.

Fishel MA, Watson GS, Montine TJ, et al. Hyperinsulinemia provokes synchronous increases in central inflammation and beta-amyloid in normal adults. Arch Neurol. 2005 Oct;62(10):1539-44.

Editor's Note: See related information on nutrition, research and Alzheimer's Disease.

Health and Peace

Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac.
Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac.
visionworksusa@earthlink.net
www.naturaleyecare.com
(845) 255-8222