Zebra fish may open up an opportunity in preventing, or reversing blindness. A special type of cell found in the eye of zebra fish has been found to be very important in regenerating the retina, and restoring vision even after extensive damage. These stem cells are called Muller glial cells, and scientists believe they may be able to use these cells to regenerate damaged retinas in humans. The retina is the part of the eye that receives light, and transmits images to the brain. When damaged through Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy to name a few, the individual loses their vision permanently.

Just why zebra fish have an abundance of these adult stem cells to regenerate their retinas, while they are very rare in humans remains a mystery. British researchers have successfully grown in the lab this type of adult stem cell that develops into neurons in the retina. These cells could be injected into the eye as a treatment for retina damaging diseases. When tested in rats with diseased retinas, the cells migrated into the retina and took on the characteristics of the surrounding neurons. Researchers are now looking at developing this approach for use in the human eye.

In addition to growing the cells in the lab and transplanting them back into the eye, the researchers are looking at ways to stimulate growth and influence the eye to repair itself using its own cells. Using one’s own cells rather than a donor’s has the advantage that the immune system is less likely to reject the treatment. Although Muller glial cells are present in the human eye, it is not clear why they do not automatically repair the retina. It is possible that internal mechanisms exist in the normal adult retina that prevents these cells from dividing and replicating. The next step is to identify which factors are responsible for blocking the regeneration.

Researchers hope that this research may lead to a treatment within five to ten years, for cells isolated from a person’s own eye. However, the need to overcome the immune response for transplantation of a donor’s cells means that this second approach would take longer. In any case, a treatment for diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetes-related blindness seems to be right around the corner. Dr Astrid Limb, who led the study states. ‘Our findings have enormous potential.’ ‘It may be possible to store the cells in a cell bank and transplant them into the eye or to use cells from a person’s own eye.’ .

Tech Tags: Zebra fish stem cells muller glial Glaucoma Macular Degeneration Diabetic Retinopathy retina damaging diseases transplant blindness

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We want to inform you that Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) is immediately and voluntarily recalling its Complete® MoisturePlus™ contact lens solution. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made data available to AMO on May 25, 2007 showing that it had interviewed 46 patients who had developed Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) infections reported since January 2005. A total of 39 of these patients were soft contact lens wearers, 21 of whom reported using Complete® MoisturePlus™ product. The CDC estimates a risk of at least seven times greater for those who used Complete® MoisturePlus™ solution versus those who did not. This recall is being conducted on a voluntary basis, in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

While AMO continues to work with the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to further assess the data, it is acting with an abundance of caution and has decided to remove AMO Complete® MoisturePlus™ from the market. There is no evidence to suggest the May 25th voluntary recall is related to a product contamination issue and this does not impact any of AMO’s other contact lens products, including our family of hydrogen peroxide disinfecting solutions. As patient safety is paramount to AMO, the company is taking decisive action to stop shipments, recall product from the marketplace, and encourage consumers to discontinue the use of AMO Complete® MoisturePlus™ solution.

At this time, we ask for your help to keep patients and consumers safe.

- Please return your current supply of AMO Complete® MoisturePlus™ as instructed below.
- Advise patients to discontinue use of AMO Complete® MoisturePlus™. Please direct your patients to call 1-888-899-9183 for additional information regarding this recall and how to return the product.
- Should you receive inquiries about AMO Complete® MoisturePlus™ from concerned patients, please refer them to the consumer hotline at 1-888-899-9183, or Website at www.amo-inc.com.

In the next few days, you will be receiving by mail, a package with general instructions for returning product. Upon receipt, please follow these instructions:

1. Complete the enclosed Business Reply Card and return it via U.S. mail within 5 days. It is important to return the card even if you do not have any of the affected product.

2. Complete the enclosed Packing Slip and affix the provided pre-paid UPS shipping labels to return your product to: Stericycle, 2670 Executive Drive, Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46241; Stericycle is conducting this recall on behalf of Advanced Medical Optics.

Please report any adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product, and/or quality problems to AMO by calling 1-800-347-5005 and to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, HF-2, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch Web site at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

While AMO believes the likelihood of users experiencing an adverse reaction is low, we have taken a cautious approach and are conducting the recall in the best interests of our customers. This action is being conducted on a voluntary basis in cooperation with the FDA.

We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused. AMO has built its reputation on consumer trust and the assurance that we provide products that meet the highest standards. Our first priority is protecting the ocular health of those who use our products and as such, we appreciate your assistance with this matter.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can answer any questions or be of service. You can also find additional information by calling 1-888-899-9183 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time, or by visiting our Web site at www.amo-inc.com.

Regards,

David W. Hansen, OD, FAAO (DiplCL)
Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. (AMO)

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