Retinylamine, a new trial drug, significantly slows the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a study published in the September 26 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.1
The authors found that administration of retinylamine to mice reduced the flow of toxic condensation byproducts in the retina that cause lipofuscin, drusen and basal laminar deposits, Bruchs membrane thickening and choroidal neovascularization. They conclude that early treatment of AMD patients with retinylamine can potentially protect against progressive retinal degeneration.
In another study, biomedical engineers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have identified more than 120 peptides contained in 82 human proteins that may slow or prevent new blood vessel growth.2
Prior to this study, scientists had classified about 40 antiangiogenesis peptides. But, by expanding on existing research, the researchers tripled this number through the use of both computer programs and lab experiments on live cells. Now, the authors say, the specific therapeutic effectiveness of these peptides needs to be tested on animal models of human angiogenic disease.
1. Maeda A, Maeda T, Golczak M, Palczewski K. Retinopathy in mice induced by disrupted all-trans-retinal clearance. J Biol Chem 2008 Sep 26;283(39):26684-93.
2. Karagiannis ED,
