Posted on 05/05/2023 8:25:44 AM PDT by ConservativeMind
Researchers have identified the role that two key genes associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) play in the disease. The team have for the first time found that the genes TMEM97 and POLDIP2 play a role in regulating oxidative stress—a part of aging in the macula.
The findings provide a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of AMD and help prioritize new gene targets for treatments.
AMD affects the macula—the central part of the retina at the back of the eye—causing cells to gradually break down, often leading to blurred central vision.
Previous studies have identified many genes that are linked to AMD, though Wong's team are the first to investigate the roles of two specific genes, TMEM97 and POLDIP2, in human retinal pigmented epithelial cells (RPE)—the cells affected in AMD.
To determine the genes' function, the team created a model of human RPE cells in the lab. Then, using cutting-edge gene editing technology, Wong and his team "switched off" the two genes and discovered they had a key role in maintaining cell health.
Genes provide the instructions for many biological processes in our cells. By turning off certain genes in cells, researchers can study its effect and see what role these genes play.
"It turns out both of these genes play roles in regulating the oxidative stresses, which is a key mechanism in aging of the retina," Wong says.
Oxidative stress is a natural process in our bodies that can happen when our cells use energy.
"As you get older, there's a build-up of oxidative stress in cells, which affects many cell types including RPE," says Wong. "Generally, high oxidative stress is bad for cells—and could contribute to RPE degeneration."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
A prior study I posted describes how SOD can be increased 22% by simply taking taurine powder, 500 mg, three times a day. Whether this would make it to the eyeball to counter the stress there, I don’t know, but I would assume it’s a very basic amino acid that should make it to the brain, which feeds the eyeballs.
I just had the up close pictures taken of my eyes/retinas as part of the diabetes checks. No detachments. Everything is clear. Woo-Hoo!
The VA has given some manner of DNA Id/testing. I should find my copy and see if any numbers match up.
I have both wet and dry AMD. The wet is controlled via injection of a VEGF inhibitor. The dry has been controlled by red light therapy. I still lost vision but optimistic that it’s reversible.
My 89 year old father was developing macular degeneration. I don’t know which kind. My brother and I bought him a blender and I showed him how to make a mostly vegetable based and a more fruit based blender drink. I urged him to take at least two of these each day. He died 4 months from an anger induced stroke. He never followed my advice to get help dealing with his severe anger outbursts.
At any rate, when I was going over his bank statements and photos of checks he had written, I noticed that over those 4 months his handwriting had gradually improved, so I think the raw blender drinks were helping his vision.
There’s a special vitamin the docs advise taking. Didn’t help me although I guess it could be worse without them.
Super Oxide oxidative stress and related chemical reactions and precursors was discussed many time by Dr. Roger Seheult in his COVID Updates.
I started taking supplements daily over 50 years ago when Iafter childbirth I started developing varicosities. My mother had horrible veins with ankle ulcers for 6 years before she had her leg veins stripped. fortunately I found the author Adele Davis and books Let’s Eat Right to Keep Fit and more technical Let’s Get Well. Following her advice my red veins faded and at 84 my legs are still fine. Her books can still be bought on line. Below some of my successes with supplements.
Me, age 31, read Adele Davis and in addition to curing varicose veins with Vitamin E and other supplements cured anemia which Iron had not helped. Turns out E helps red blood cells live longer, probably my problem. finally cured.
Father;s annual severe hay fever eliminated for the rest of his life. He died at 90 of stroke caused by high blood pressure and anger producing situation. He never followed my advice to get help with his severe anger.
Age 50, adding boron to my calcium, stopped leg cramps and back pain, doubled the daily dose when this recurred at age 70 and I had shrunk an inch.
Age 80, popped something in my knee when trying to crawl through small window to make roof repair on porch. Taking the widely recommended supplements for joints, completely healed the knew joint in less than a year.
Age 81, was experiencing severe glare problems from sun and car lights while driving at night. Was told cataracts could only be cured by surgery. Started taking Lutien, Bilberry, Blueberry, and Astaxanthin supplements. Vision is now 75 to 80% improved (age 84).
Age 83, avoided Covid by taking extra Vitamin D3, C, Zinc and Quercetin for 2 years. In 2021 3 loved ones had cancer, I researched and put on weight from worry. Jan. 2023 I got sick from illness from my partner from babysitting his toddler grandson so the doctor and nurse parents could work. Turns out that a BMI above 25 can interfere with blood Vitamin D. Mine was fine Dec. 2021, low Dec. 2022 with BMI of 27.5. I was sick for 3 months, have lost 15 lbs. and increased my D3 consumption, and better now.
So if you have a problem, Google search the problem/illness by name and ask for Supplements and Nutrition to help it. NOTE: It was an article posted here by ConservativeMind that clued me into the Vitamin D/BMI issue and solution. Thank you.
Amazing story!
As one grows older, new problems keep popping up. Part of the deal I guess. Brace yourselves young’uns it’s coming. 80 plus-ish here.
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