The loss of an anti-aging gene might contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration.

 

After studying mice, researchers at Georgetown University found that the loss of the expression of the aging-suppressor gene Klotho leads to characteristics observed in both wet and dry forms of AMD in humans.

 

The researchers found four functions provided by the Klotho gene, a hormone that is secreted by some organs and tissues. It increases the activity of genes that synthesize the light absorbing visual pigments in the retinal cells. Klotho also increases the expression of genes that protect against the oxidative stress, which can lead to dry AMD. Klotho inhibits vascular endothelial growth and therefore, might play an important role in inhibiting the overgrowth of blood vessels in the eye. Klotho also regulates phagocytosis of the outer segment of photoreceptors in the retina. This process allows the photoreceptors to renew themselves. Without it, the photoreceptors degenerate and die causing blindness.

 

“For these reasons, we believe Klotho might be an interesting therapeutic target for age-related macular degeneration,” says senior investigator Nady Golestaneh. She nonetheless remains cautious, admitting that further studies should be done to quantify the decline of Klotho expression in human eyes and to link this dysfunction to AMD.

Source:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/267179.php

 

 

 

 

Marcolin and its European financial partner PAI Partners, together with HVHC, the holding company currently holding Viva International, just announced the signing of an agreement under which Marcolin agrees to acquire Viva International.

 

The acquisition, which is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, is expected to become effective in the next few months. The purchase price was not disclosed.

 

According to the information available at this time, both companies expect Viva’s operation in New Jersey to remain with the new organization. Both Marcolin and Viva expect to use their respective facilities.

 

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has published a report unveiling the five consumer trends over the coming years, including health and online buying habits; relevant information to guide companies wanting to reach consumers and ensure their business growth.

 

http://www.bdc.ca/EN/about/mediaroom/news_releases/Pages/entrepreneurs_must_watch_consumer_trends.aspx?ref=hp-by-txt

 

Lowering blood glucose levels is not enough when treating diabetic retinopathy, according to German researchers.

 

Numerous proteins and molecules are involved in the process of optical signal transduction from the retina to the brain. Diabetic retinal damage leads to impaired function of these proteins. Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU), in Munich, compared the concentrations of proteins in the retinas of non-diabetic mice, of mice with type 2 diabetes without treatment and of type 2 diabetic mice that were treated with the drug metformin. This treatment lowers blood glucose levels.

 

In total, 98 proteins were less abundant in the diabetic animals. About half of the proteins were normalized by treatment with metformin, while the others remained insufficient. Among these was the protein VGLUT1, which is essential for visual signal transduction.

 

“Our results show that normalized blood glucose levels alone are not sufficient to fully treat diabetic retinopathy,” said Dr. Alice Ly, a lead author of the study. “In further studies we want to examine how different combination therapies affect the retinal proteins, in order to achieve a better understanding of the causes and treatment of this diabetes complication.”

Source:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131007094243.htm

Essilor International has acquired a majority interest in Technologies HumanWare Inc, a Quebec-based designer and distributor of electronic assistance products for people who are blind or vision impaired.

 

Products designed by this company, which has 150 employees and is located in Drummondville, Quebec, are mainly marketed in visual rehabilitation clinic networks. It reports revenues of $35 million and records sales in North America, Europe, Australia, and some parts of Asia. It recently introduced Prodigi, hybrid technology that helps people with visual impairment whether they are sitting or moving about. This new product was awarded the Silmo d’Or in 2013.

 

With this acquisition, Essilor hopes to increase its market share in the low-vision sector. According to the French giant, only 5% of the 140 million people with low vision own equipment adapted to their situation. The two companies will combine their research teams in the field of optics and electronics to develop new products.

 

Essilor Chairman and CEO, Hubert Sagnières, described this partnership as a “fundamental step in the development of a range of effective and accessible vision tools for the greatest number of people.” For his part, Gilles Pepin, CEO of HumanWare, is pleased to be partnering with Essilor, “whose knowledge in optics and access to optician distribution networks will accelerate innovation to help people with visual impairments.”

Sources:

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1243629/humanware-sees-its-global-development-expand-through-a-partnership-with-essilor

http://www.acuite.fr/articles.asp?REF=9045