HUNTINGTON, NEW YORK -- Vanderbilt University researches have discovered a link between mitochondrial DNA and a patient's risk for age-related macula degeneration (AMD). AMD - the chief cause of blindness in over 10 million Americans - is caused by thinning or bleeding of the macula (the inner lining of the eye) and, if untreated, leads to severe vision loss.
The Vanderbilt team's findings, published in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS ONE, indicates that a genetic variation in the mitochondrial gene A4917G can impact a person's risk for developing AMD, a condition associated with other degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. The mitochondrial genome is a second set of DNA located inside the body's mitochondria - the 'power plants' of cells. "It's important to realize that there's another genome in the mitochondria," Jeff Canter, lead author of the Vanderbilt study, says. "Even though there are not many genes there, they're important."
The discovery opens the door to potential DNA screening to identify likely candidates for developing macular degeneration. Early detection can allow likely sufferers of AMD to effect positive lifestyle and diet changes to prevent the development of the condition. Eye health supplements provide key vitamins and antioxidants that have been shown by government clinical trials like AREDS (the Age-Related Eye Disease Study conducted by the National Eye Institute in 2001) to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Taking these supplements in advance of developing AMD symptoms could prevent its onset.
VisiVite produces macular degeneration supplements that can help potential candidates for AMD combat the disease.
About VisiVite.com:
Founded in 2001, VisiVite.com is dedicated to providing customers with state of the art macular degeneration vitamins to lessen the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Their products range from the VisiVite AREDS Formula and Macular Degeneration Vitamins to Dry Eye Relief Vitamins, and AMD Eye Multivitamins. For more information and up to the minute AMD news, visit VisiVite.com.
###
