![]() Currently, surgical removal of the opaque lens is the only available treatment for clinically significant cataract. The number of people blind from bilateral cataracts, currently estimated at 20 million, is projected to increase with the rising life expectancy 1, 2. Thus, the ex vivo assay may provide an initial platform for broad screening of potential novel therapeutic agents towards pharmacological treatment of cataract.Ĭataract, defined by abnormal opacification of the intraocular crystalline lens, is the leading cause of blindness in the developing world, affecting millions worldwide 1. In vivo studies confirmed that the lead compound, rosmarinic acid, delays cataract formation and reduces the severity of lens opacification in model rats. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that both compounds reduce cataract microparticle size and modify their amyloid-like features. This assay allowed the identification of two leading compounds as facilitating the restoration of nearly-complete transparency of phacoemulsified cataractous preparation ex vivo. Here, the first ex vivo assay to screen for drug candidates that reduce human lenticular protein aggregation was developed. ![]() However, emerging treatments are yet to achieve full and consistent lens clearance. ![]() Recent findings have triggered renewed interest in development of non-surgical treatment alternatives. Presently, surgical removal is the only therapeutic approach. ![]() Cataract, the leading cause of vision impairment worldwide, arises from abnormal aggregation of crystallin lens proteins. ![]()
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December 2022
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