A cataract is an opacification of the lens of the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. Cataracts often develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms may include faded colors, blurry or double vision, halos around light, trouble with bright lights, and trouble seeing at night. This may result in trouble driving, reading, or recognizing faces. Poor vision caused by cataracts may also result in an increased risk of falling and depression. Cataracts cause half of all cases of blindness ...

cataract

Nutritional-Facts-and-Health-Benefits-of-Spinach

Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits of Spinach 

Nutritional-Facts-and-Health-Benefits-of-Spinach_0_0

Nutritional-Facts-and-Health-Benefits-of-Spinach_0_1

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green vegetable that originated in Persia. It belongs to the amaranth family and is associated with beets and quinoa. Moreover, it is considered a very healthy food, as it is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, strengthening the body's defenses.

Nutritional-Facts-and-Health-Benefits-of-Spinach_0_2

There are many ways to prepare spinach. You can buy it canned or fresh and consume it boiled or raw. It is delicious both alone and in other dishes, and you can add it to a morning healthy breakfast smoothie.&nbsp;

Nutritional-Facts-and-Health-Benefits-of-Spinach_0_3

The nutritional facts about 100 grams of raw spinach are:

Nutritional-Facts-and-Health-Benefits-of-Spinach_0_4

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Calories: 23</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Water: 91%</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Protein: 2.9 grams</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Carbohydrates: 3.6 grams</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sugar: 0.4 grams</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fibre: 2.2 grams</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fat: 0.4 grams</li></ul>Spinach as a superfood is full of some extremely important nutrients for health, including:

Nutritional-Facts-and-Health-Benefits-of-Spinach_0_5

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Calcium: Spinach is said to contain 250 milligrams of calcium in one cup. This element supports bones and teeth. In addition, to get the most out of spinach, it is recommended to combine it with foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, to increase calcium absorption.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Magnesium: Magnesium is thought to boost your metabolism, regulate your heart rate, and maintain blood pressure. Spinach is a rich source of dietary magnesium, which can benefit your health in many ways.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iron: Your body needs iron to use your body energy efficiently. To get the most out of your iron content, you can add some vitamin C foods like citrus fruits to spinach and improve iron absorption.</li></ul>

Health-Benefits-Provided-by-Spinach

Health Benefits Provided by Spinach 

Health-Benefits-Provided-by-Spinach_1_0

Reduces-blood-sugar

Reduces blood sugar 

Reduces-blood-sugar_1_0

It is believed that spinach has a high content of potassium, which is usually recommended for people suffering from high blood pressure. So how is potassium useful for a person suffering from high blood pressure? First of all, potassium reduces the effects of sodium in the body. 1

Supports-good-bone-health

Supports good bone health

Supports-good-bone-health_1_0

Supports-good-bone-health_1_1

Spinach contains vitamin K, which helps with good bone health. It also improves the absorption of calcium by the body. Spinach contains 250 milligrams of calcium per cup and this is very good for your bones and teeth.

Helps-with-weight-loss

Helps with weight loss 

Helps-with-weight-loss_1_0

If you plan to lose weight, then it is advisable to add spinach to your weight loss diet. Spinach leaves help with weight loss and are also low in calories. The high fiber content also helps with good digestion, regulates low blood sugar and prevents constipation.&nbsp;

Useful-for-vision

Useful for vision 

Useful-for-vision_1_0

The antioxidants found in spinach are lutein and zeaxanthin, and they help maintain good vision. It also protects the eyes from cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and other eye problems. The vitamin A contained in spinach helps maintain mucous membranes, which are essential for normal vision. &nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7933422/" target="_blank" data-ref="Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration. Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

Reduces-hypertension

Reduces hypertension 

Reduces-hypertension_1_0

Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure, which is responsible for causing many heart disease, kidney disease, and strokes. Eating spinach can prevent all these risks and reduce the risk of developing them. 3

Support-for-the-nervous-system

Support for the nervous system

Support-for-the-nervous-system_1_0

Support-for-the-nervous-system_1_1

Spinach is a source of zinc and magnesium, which are important for you to sleep well at night. And a good night's sleep is crucial for good health and a normally functioning nervous system. The vitamin K contained in spinach helps a healthy nervous system, among other elements.

Keeps-the-brain-in-good-shape

Keeps the brain in good shape

Keeps-the-brain-in-good-shape_1_0

Spinach helps the smooth functioning of the brain, especially in old age. In this way, regular consumption of this vegetable will keep your brain active and with normal function.

Strengthens-immunity

Strengthens immunity  

Strengthens-immunity_1_0

It is claimed that the vitamin A content found in spinach strengthens entry points into the human body, such as the respiratory, intestinal tract and mucous membranes. If you consume one cup of spinach every day, you will also get this benefit.&nbsp;

Prevents-anemia

Prevents anemia 

Prevents-anemia_1_0

Spinach has a high iron content in it, which can protect you from developing anemia. Iron is also useful for menstruating women, children and adults. Iron also boosts energy in the human body and helps carry oxygen to all cells of the body.

Prevents-the-development-of-cancer

Prevents the development of cancer 

Prevents-the-development-of-cancer_1_0

Spinach is an excellent source of zeaxanthin and carotenoids, which can expel free radicals from the body. These free radicals make your body prone to many diseases, including cancer, and as a result, spinach is believed to prevent cancer.&nbsp;

Prevents-the-development-of-cancer_1_1

There is evidence that diets rich in vegetables reduce the risk of cancer, suggesting edible plants as potential sources of anti-cancer agents. Spinach plays an important role in the supply of nutrients as it is a superb source of vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, magnesium, folic acid, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B2 and potassium and includes a lot of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acid acids.&nbsp;

Prevents-the-development-of-cancer_1_2

In addition, spinach includes essential antioxidants from carotenoids and polyphenols, which exhibit anti-cancer properties. Spinach has at least three other important anti-cancer components, including:

Prevents-the-development-of-cancer_1_3

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sulfoquinosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG)</li></ul>They can slow the growth of cancer. In one study, these compounds helped slow tumor growth in the cervix in humans. They also reduce the size of the tumor. 4 MGDG and SQDG were shown to inhibit the activities of mammalian DNA polymerases, but DGDG had no such inhibitory effect in all studies. The effect of these glycoglycerolipids on cancer cells, angiogenesis and growth of solid tumours can be mediated by their inhibition of replicative DNA polymerase activity.

Prevents-the-development-of-cancer_1_4

Several other human studies have linked spinach consumption to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Eating this leafy vegetable may also help prevent breast and colon cancer, according to several studies. 5

Prevents-the-development-of-cancer_1_5

A 2016 scientific publication mentions the inhibitory effects of spinach, cabbage and onion extracts on the growth of cancer cells. 6 The results showed that spinach, cabbage and onion extracts inhibited the growth of human gastric AGS, human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 cells by inducing apoptosis. Curiously, in this study, onion extract had a stronger anti-cancer effect and induction of apoptosis than spinach and cabbage extracts.

Prevents-the-development-of-cancer_1_6

Some of the powerful health benefits of spinach are that this vegetable helps stabilize blood glucose levels, helps reduce the risk of developing cancer, protects against cancer, and is beneficial for bone health. A vegetable with so many health benefits is amazing and you will never go wrong with its consumption. Raw, slightly saut&eacute;ed or in a soup, spinach is healthy superfood suitable for any type of diet.

10 Reasons Why Spinach Is Considered a Superfood

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/c6fa0833-dfa7-45ea-81fa-8f0fd06e85d3_middle.jpg

Бетина Цветкова

Why-vision-is-extremely-important

Why vision is extremely important 

Why-vision-is-extremely-important_0_0

Our eyes receive light from the world around us and send visual information to the brain. The eyes can see at about 200 degrees in all directions, including in front of you and on the side (peripheral vision). Parts of your eyes work together to allow you to see images, movement, and depth.&nbsp;

Why-vision-is-extremely-important_0_1

Did you also know that our eyes are adapted to see about 7 million shades of color? About 80% of the information from our surroundings that reaches the brain comes from them. The visual cortex is located at the back of the brain and is the main part that receives, integrates and processes visual information that the retina of the eye transmits.

Why-vision-is-extremely-important_0_2

Many conditions can affect eye work, including common vision problems such as myopia (myopia), astigmatism, and eye injuries. Several diseases and disorders that are not necessarily related to the eyes can cause problems with them, including autoimmune diseases, <a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/joph/2015/734527/" target="_blank" data-ref="Pathogenesis of Common Ocular Diseases" rel="noopener">diabetes, and high blood pressure.</a>&nbsp;[ref. 1]&nbsp;

Components-of-the-human-eye

Components of the human eye 

Components-of-the-human-eye_1_0

The different components of our eyes are:

Components-of-the-human-eye_1_1

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iris - the colored area of the eye. Depending on the color of your eyes, the iris can be in any shade of blue, green, hazelnut or brown.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cornea - a transparent layer that extends over the iris. Water and collagen make up the cornea. And the tears protect the cornea and keep it well lubricated.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pupil - the black circle that is in the middle of your iris. It expands and shrinks to control how much light enters the eye.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sclera - the white parts of the eye that surround the iris.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Conjunctiva - a clean, thin fabric that covers the sclera and outlines the inside of the eyelids.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A lens that sits behind the pupil. It focuses the light that enters your eye and sends light to the back of the eye.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Retina - a set of cells that cover the inner part of the back of the eye. Part of your nervous system, the retina senses light and converts it into electrical impulses or neural signals. The retina has sticks (cells that help you see in low light) and cones (cells that recognize color).</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Macula - a small area that is part of the retina. It is responsible for central vision and helps you see fine details and color.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">An optic nerve that's behind the retina. It carries signals from the retina to the brain, which then interprets this visual information to tell you what you see.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Muscles controling the position and movement of your eye, how much light enters the eye, and the ability of the eyes to focus.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vitreous body - a transparent gel that fills your entire eye. Protects and maintains the shape of the eye.</li></ol>

Health-conditions-affecting-the-function-of-the-eyes

Health conditions affecting the function of the eyes

Health-conditions-affecting-the-function-of-the-eyes_2_0

There are hundreds of conditions, disorders, diseases, and injuries that affect the eyes. This is another reason to act preventively against them, and not to seek solutions only when they are present.

Health-conditions-affecting-the-function-of-the-eyes_2_1

Conditions that affect the eyes include:

Health-conditions-affecting-the-function-of-the-eyes_2_2

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Age changes in vision: Your eyes change with age. In some cases, cataracts, macular degeneration, or detached retina may occur. Presbyopia (loss of close focal vision) usually begins to affect people around the age of 45.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cancer: Tumors can be the result of intraocular&nbsp;melanoma and retinoblastoma.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Diseases: Many types of eye diseases can affect the eyes, including congenital (available at birth) cataracts, glaucoma and optic atrophy.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Infection and irritation: conjunctivitis, blepharitis, barley, and dry eyes cause redness, swelling, and discomfort. Eye tearing can be obtained when the eye does not drain tears properly or the eyes are irritated or dry.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hereditary diseases: pigment retinitis is an inherited condition that can lead to blindness.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Injuries: Corneal abrasion&nbsp;and detached retina can be the result of an eye injury. Accidents can cause bleeding from the eyes and irritation. Foreign objects can also damage the eye.</li></ul>

Symptoms-of-eye-diseases---how-to-recognize-signs

Symptoms of eye diseases - how to recognize signs

Symptoms-of-eye-diseases---how-to-recognize-signs_3_0

There are various signals that indicate eye problems, for example:

Symptoms-of-eye-diseases---how-to-recognize-signs_3_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eye pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, or secretion.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eyes that cross or point in different directions.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eyes that are itching or very dry.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Headaches and squint.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Inability to move the eyes or open or close the eyelid.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lots of spots or one dark spot in the middle of the field of vision.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sensitivity to light or vision problems in low light.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Changes in vision, including cloudy or blurred vision</li></ul>

Living-and-working-in-front-of-a-computer-screen---what-are-the-risks

Living and working in front of a computer screen - what are the risks

Living-and-working-in-front-of-a-computer-screen---what-are-the-risks_4_0

Living-and-working-in-front-of-a-computer-screen---what-are-the-risks_4_1

Most people know that the sun can hurt our eyes, but they are not aware of any other problematic bright lights emitted by computer screens. In short, these screens are much less harmful than the sun. This is because screens are not as bright as the sun, and newer screens usually do not produce UV rays - the most harmful kind of light the sun emits. Instead, the most important light that screens produce is high-energy blue light with a short wavelength.

Living-and-working-in-front-of-a-computer-screen---what-are-the-risks_4_2

In the short term, blue light is mostly associated with potentially causing eye strain. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.ijo.cn/gjyken/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=20181220&amp;flag=1" target="_blank" data-ref="Research progress about the effect and prevention of blue light on eyes" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp; According to the American Optometric Association, this is not usually a serious problem and can mostly be solved by usually shifting your gaze from the screen, as well as more time out in the wild.

Living-and-working-in-front-of-a-computer-screen---what-are-the-risks_4_3

In the short term, it is known that staring at screens for a long time causes computer vision syndrome. This condition can be irritating and even detrimental to a person's work and daily activities. Potentially cause:

Living-and-working-in-front-of-a-computer-screen---what-are-the-risks_4_4

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Severe headache.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eye strain.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blurred vision.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dry eyes.</li></ul>This syndrome is not actually caused only by exposure to blue light; it is caused by a combination of factors. The first factor is the duration of exposure, i.e. exposure to a screen. At least seven hours in front of the screen, we can talk about prolonged exposure. The problem is compounded by the fact that many people, unfortunately, have a habit of maintaining a bad posture while staring at the work screen.

Living-and-working-in-front-of-a-computer-screen---what-are-the-risks_4_5

There is something to be done to avoid this problem with vision during prolonged operation of a computer:

Living-and-working-in-front-of-a-computer-screen---what-are-the-risks_4_6

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">There are many tables and articles online with instructions on how to properly sit in front of your computer. Posture and proper distance from your PC can really help reduce eye strain. Although you may not notice an immediate difference, you will feel the effect of good posture and ergonomics over time. Important are the distances of the chair from the floor, on the desk, the corners under which your legs and elbows will sit, do you have lumbar support, and others.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Try to choose lights for your workspace or home properly so that the level of light in the room is approximately equal to how much light your screen will produce. Contrasting levels of light, such as being in a dark room while looking at a bright screen, can load the eyes faster.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Practice the rule 20-20-20. This simple rule can help with eye strain. All you have to do is take a break every 20 minutes to stare at an object about 20 meters away for at least 20 seconds. This helps to give your eyes a break by focusing on a bright screen that's near you.</li></ul>

When-working-from-home

When working from home 

When-working-from-home_4_0

After the global coronavirus pandemic, a huge number of people switched to a home or hybrid model of work. This implies even more time in front of the computer screen for appointments and tasks. Therefore, we recommend:

When-working-from-home_4_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Frequent screen breaks throughout the day.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Walk around the room or building every 20 minutes.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mute notifications from mobile devices to spend less time staring at them.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use of moisturizing eye drops or artificial tears.</li></ul>Some studies have suggested that in the long run, blue light from screens can also damage retinal cells, leading to problems such as age-related macular degeneration. The extent of this problem is not fully understood, but prevention is the best solution, and may include a complex of measures. We'il describe them next.

Eye-health-with-the-right-foods-and-exercises

Eye health with the right foods and exercises 

Eye-health-with-the-right-foods-and-exercises_4_0

Eye-health-with-the-right-foods-and-exercises_4_1

Being proactive about eye health will pay off over time. Therefore, the most important steps are:

Eye-health-with-the-right-foods-and-exercises_4_2

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Regular consumption of vegetables &ndash; leafy dark greens are the most suitable.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Protect the eyes &ndash; at work, sports, going outside &ndash; with the right glasses will protect the eyes. If you are swimming, you can also put on glasses. When walking, ordinary dioptric sunglasses are suitable. When riding a bike, there is a specific type of glasses.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Wear sunglasses &ndash; UVA and UVB rays are just as harmful to the eyes as they are to the skin.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Observe good hygiene &ndash; wash your hands before touching your eyes. Whether you are putting on contact lenses, trying to remove an eyelash, or just having a slight irritation, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly before making physical eye contact.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Maintain a healthy body &ndash; Your eyes are part of your body, so it makes sense that they are affected by other unhealthy habits. Proper nutrition, maintaining healthy body weight and regular physical activity help your eyes stay in good condition. Nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, and vitamins A and E are among the most important to your eyes.</li></ul>

Eyes are a window into the world that we must protect properly. This actually means providing important nutrients, remedies for different conditions, regular ophthalmic examinations, and eye sun protection all year round. This topic will be increasingly relevant against the background of the thousands of hours we spend in front of computers or mobile screens. It is also important not to forget to give rest to the eyes and to be informed about various eye diseases.

Keep Your Eyes Healthy With The Right Foods and Exercises

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/8ee83ad1-b904-496a-b264-4874cea95c6e_middle.jpg

_-1_0

Leber's-congenital-amaurosis

Leber's congenital amaurosis

Leber's-congenital-amaurosis_0_0

U.S. scientists at the University of Pennsylvania were able to achieve a lasting improvement in vision with a single injection of RNA therapy, targeting Leber's congenital amaurosis disease.&nbsp; They reported their results in the journal Nature Medecine&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01297-7?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=7d18976f-5013-4c77-929e-03dffbb964db" target="_blank" data-ref="Durable vision improvement after a single treatment with antisense oligonucleotide sepofarsen: a case report - Nature Medicine" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a> .&nbsp;

Leber's-congenital-amaurosis_0_1

Leber's congenital amaurosis disease primarily affects the retina - the part of the eye that captures light and colors, and converts them into a nerve signal that is sent to the brain. People suffering from this disease usually have severely impaired vision from infancy, or even blindness. It is rarely progressive, but sometimes a worsening of symptoms is observed over time. Some of them include:

Leber's-congenital-amaurosis_0_2

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">curtain of the eyes (cataracts)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">uncontrolled movement of the eye</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">intolerance to bright light</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">squint</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">extreme farsightedness&nbsp;, etc.</li></ul>

What-causes-the-disease

What causes the disease 

What-causes-the-disease_1_0

Leber congenital amaurosis is a genetic disease.&nbsp;Mutations in a gene called CEP290 are among the most common causes of developing the disease - between 15 and 22% &nbsp;of cases are due to defects in it <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/cep290/#:~:text=At%20least%2035%20mutations%20in,associated%20with%20Leber%20congenital%20amaurosis." target="_blank" data-ref="CEP290 gene: MedlinePlus Genetics" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a> .

What-causes-the-disease_1_1

One of the most common mutations, 2991+1655A&gt;G, was also the subject of the therapy in the clinical trial conducted at the Scheie Eye Institute in Pennsylvania.

Nature-of-antisense-RNA-therapy

Nature of antisense RNA therapy

Nature-of-antisense-RNA-therapy_2_0

Antisense-RNA oligonucleotides are molecules of RNA that target the messanger RNA (mRNA) of a gene, i.e. the intermediary molecule between the genetic information encoded in the gene and the final functional unit of the cell which is the protein. Binding of the antisense-RNA to the targeted mRNA can lead to a number of consequences, such as its change.&nbsp;

Nature-of-antisense-RNA-therapy_2_1

This is also the purpose of therapy against Leber congenital amaurosis. The main idea of the researche is to inject a specially created antisense-RNA molecule to recognize the early defective mRNA, which would encode the defective CEP290 gene, and change it to eliminate the aforementioned 2991+1655A&gt;G mutation.&nbsp;

Nature-of-antisense-RNA-therapy_2_2

The team recruited 11 patients for the clinical trial suffering from the disease with a detected 2991+1655A&gt;G mutation. The original protocol included an antisense-RNA injection called sepofarsen every 3 months. However, the last patient, patient 11, refused to continue treatment&nbsp; after the first dose, as he felt a significant improvement in symptoms and wanted to reduce the risk of side effects after the administration of subsequent doses of the preparation.

A-single-injection

A single injection 

A-single-injection_3_0

The case of patient 11 is the subject of the article published in Nature Medecine. It is of interest because the patient received only one dose of the therapy, but the results of the follow-up showed that his vision improvement was comparable to that of the other treatment participants who received all the necessary doses.&nbsp;

A-single-injection_3_1

The patient was followed within 15 months after the first and only dose of sesopharsen was administered. The researchers reported significant improvements in the participant's vision and in the structure of his retina, with the peak of efficacy being the third month after therapy. There was a slight decrease in effectiveness by month 15, but nevertheless the symptoms were still significantly improved.

A-single-injection_3_2

A possible explanation, according to the team of researchers, is the slow degradation of the antisenes-RNA entering the nucleus of the cell, as well as the relatively long life of the properly synthesized functional CEP290 protein.

The study is important from medical point of view as it provides valuable guidance in antisense-RNA therapies. This type of treatment is very promising for other diseases as well. Currently, there are exist approved similar therapies for certain neurological conditions as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Spinal muscular atrophy. Moreover, treatment for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases is under development.

Long-term treatment of a genetic form of blindness 

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/c52d6aa0-be3f-4691-9b0a-68f3d62da34b_middle.jpg

Long-term treatment of a genetic form of blindness?

Силвия Маринова

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

_-1_1

_-1_2

Europe is extremely rich in medicinal plants and herbs. The aroma of thyme, linden and chamomile evokes sweet memories of childhood in everyone whose grandmother once made herbal tea for breakfast.

_-1_3

The herbs are deeply embedded in our traditions and are sometimes given a mystical and almost magical action. As science progresses, the secrets of their healing effects are revealed - encoded in a variety of active substances.

_-1_4

In this article, we will look at 10 of the best medicinal herbs we can find in our nature or in the pharmacy.

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)-and-danewort-(Sambucus-ebulus)

1. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and danewort (Sambucus ebulus)

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)-and-danewort-(Sambucus-ebulus)_0_0

Elderberry is also called elder, black elder, European elder, European elderberry, and European black elderberry. It is a tree and should not be confused with danewort (Sambucus ebulus), which is a herbaceous plant. The fruits of the elderberry hang down, and the danewort is straightened upwards.

Elderberry-(Sambucus-nigra)-and-danewort-(Sambucus-ebulus)_0_1

The other names of the danewort are dane weed, danesblood, dwarf elder or European dwarf elder, walewort, dwarf elderberry, elderwort and blood hilder. Both herbs are sometimes called elderberry. But enough about the names, let's find out what the properties of these plants are.

Elderberry-(tree)

Elderberry (tree)

Elderberry-(tree)_0_0

Elderberry-(tree)_0_1

The fruit of <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259696401_An_Evidence-Based_Systematic_Review_of_Elderberry_and_Elderflower_Sambucus_nigra_by_the_Natural_Standard_Research_Collaboration" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> elderberry contains the protein agglutinin Ivf (SNAIVf), which is homologous to the RIP type 2 lectin, as well as quercetin. The elderberry has the following medicinal properties&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259696401_An_Evidence-Based_Systematic_Review_of_Elderberry_and_Elderflower_Sambucus_nigra_by_the_Natural_Standard_Research_Collaboration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]:

Elderberry-(tree)_0_2

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory effect,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Modulation of immune protection,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant effects thanks to the flavonoids,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antiviral effect - especially against influenza viruses type A and B, as well as against herpes simplex-1 virus,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers blood pressure,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Diuretic effect (elderberry flowers),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially stimulates glucose metabolism and increases insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers cholesterol (fruit syrup),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Potentially lowers the weight.</li>
</ul>

Elderberry-(tree)_0_3

Attention, attention! Poorly ripe fruits, bark, roots and leaves of S. nigra contain cyanogen glycoside sambungrin, which is toxic and its intake can lead to cyanide poisoning.

Elderberry-(tree)_0_4

Elderberry can adversely affect people with a variety of diseases and conditions, including: arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease, along with taking medications to lower blood pressure, diabetes, during <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/liechiebni_rastieniia_koito_obliekchavat_mchitielnitie_stranichni_iefiekti_ot_khimio_i_lchietierapiiata_0e97f0c5_6473_4c0a_bfd5_233383967f22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chemotherapy</a>, diseases of the central nervous system, in gastrointestinal disorders, <a href="/p/anorieksiia_bulimiia_prieiazhdanie_kdie_sie_korieniat_khranitielnitie_razstroistva_499c17d9_4b0f_4506_8deb_16089dec54bf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">eating disorders</a> and in particular anorexia, <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/6_bilki_koito_shchie_pomoghnat_na_stradashchitie_ot_mighriena_5f9f41dd_4a26_479a_b23f_06bf63bc6557" target="_blank" rel="noopener">migraines</a> and others.

Elderberry-(tree)_0_5

As it becomes clear, elderberry is a very potent herb, and it is good to use it after consulting a doctor, especially in the presence of accompanying diseases or specific conditions, including in pregnancy and lactation.

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)

Danewort (herbaceous elderberry)

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)_0_0

Danewort-(herbaceous-elderberry)_0_1

Unripe fruits of the danewort are also poisonous, and only ripe ones are used for medicinal purposes.

cataract

Keep Your Eyes Healthy With The Right Foods and Exercises

Long-term treatment of a genetic form of blindness

Top 10 medicinal herbs in Europe