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Alpha-linolenic acid good for dry eye syndrome |
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Wednesday, 27 February 2008 04:42 |
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Research conducted by Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) Cornea Service Director and Harvard School Professor Reza Dana, M.D.,M. Sc., MPH, and colleagues at the Schepens Eye Research Institute have found for the first time that topical drop applications alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) led to a significant decrease in clinical signs of dry eye syndrome (DES) in animal models.
ALA is a fatty acid that cannot be made by the body and must be
supplied in the diet. The study will be published in the February 2008
issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.
Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes do not produce
enough tears, causing them to become dry and irritated. Inflammation is
frequently associated with the condition. Symptoms of dry eye syndrome
include eye discomfort, such as stinging or burning, eye irritation or
a feeling of scratchiness. The condition affects well more than 10
million people, primarily women, in the United States alone and can
often lead to problems with activities such as reading and driving. Dry
eye syndrome is also one of the most common conditions for which
patients see eye care. Unfortunately, treatment options are quite
limited in terms of both efficacy and undesirable side-effects.
The study tested three formulations of fatty acids: 0.2 percent
alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) ; 0.2 percent linoleic
acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) ; and 0.1 percent alpha-linolenic acid
combined with 0.1 percent linoleic acid. An eye drop containing each of
the three formulations was applied topically to the eye of a mouse once
daily. An untreated group did not receive eye drops. Signs of dry eye
were then measured 24 hours after the last dose. Eyes treated with ALA
showed a significant reversal in epithelial damage to the cornea, the
transparent dome that covers the pupil. Results show a beneficial
effect of the topical application of ALA in reversing the signs of dry
eye syndrome as well as the inflammatory changes seen in dry eye
syndrome.
"The current study for the first time demonstrates the benefit of
topical application of a particular fatty acid in treating the signs of
dry eye syndrome at both the molecular and cellular levels. Using
topical formulations of fatty acids to treat dry eye would allow for
more flexibility for treatment, including lessening side effects that
patients can experience from oral intake of fatty acids. Clinical
studies with topical fatty acids are being planned, which if successful
could alter the method by which this common condition is treated," said
Dr. Dana.
http://hms.harvard.edu/
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=35158
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