Our exploration focused on the potential of N-Acetyl Carnosine (NAC) in treating cataract, a condition that occurs when proteins in the eye become insoluble and form large masses. Traditional cataract surgeries often require expensive equipment and skilled mediators, so we sought a less invasive solution through the use of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN).
We prepared SLN-NAC using a unique method known as Mill's method, resulting in particles measuring around 75 nanometers—the ideal size for effective eye penetration. The formulation demonstrated a sustained release of the active ingredient over 24 hours, following a rapid initial release after just one hour.
Our studies also indicated that SLN-NAC penetrated the cornea more effectively than standard NAC eye drops, while corneal hydration tests showed no damage to corneal cells. This suggests that SLN-NAC may offer a promising breakthrough in cataract treatment by enhancing drug delivery and minimizing toxicity.
Overall, the compelling results lead us to believe that SLN-NAC could significantly improve the way cataracts are treated, offering a practical alternative to surgical interventions.
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We aimed to understand how L-carnosine affects cataract formation, looking specifically at its potential as an anticataractogenic agent. To do this, we assessed L-carnosine through various laboratory tests that measured its ability to counteract oxidative stress and its effects on lens tissue.
Although marketed for its antioxidant properties, our findings revealed that L-carnosine is primarily a strong antiglycating agent, rather than a potent antioxidant or metal-chelating agent. In our tests using human lens cells, we found that there were no significant changes in cell survival when exposed to L-carnosine compared to controls, which suggests that it may not have a significant protective effect in these scenarios.
Interestingly, when we treated whole porcine lenses with L-carnosine in a high galactose environment—which is known to promote cataract formation—we observed a marked reduction in the formation of harmful compounds related to glycation. This indicates that L-carnosine holds promise for future treatment options for diabetic cataracts and other conditions driven by glycation, if not primarily through antioxidant mechanisms.
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Carnosine aids in cataract preventionProtective effects of carnosine on dehydroascorbate-induced structural alteration and opacity of lens crystallins: important implications of carnosine pleiotropic functions to combat cataractogenesis.
Direct evaluation of carnosine benefits
We explored the impact of dehydroascorbate (DHA) on the structure and functioning of lens crystallins, specifically looking at the protective role of l-carnosine against cataract formation. Our research revealed that high levels of DHA in lens tissue can lead to significant protein unfolding and aggregation, both of which are key contributors to age-related cataracts.
During the study, we observed that l-carnosine, an endogenous dipeptide, effectively preserved the natural structure of lens proteins even when faced with the challenges posed by DHA. This is crucial since maintaining the stability of these proteins could help prevent the development of cataracts as we age.
Interestingly, while DHA alters the chaperone activity of α-crystallin—a protein important for lens clarity—carnosine was found to restore its functionality. Additionally, we noted that carnosine helped combat the increased instability of lens proteins modified by DHA, thereby enhancing their resilience.
Our lens culture assessments further illustrated that DHA does cause significant lens opacity, a condition that carnosine successfully mitigated. The findings underscore carnosine's valuable properties, particularly its abilities to prevent glycation and aggregation, which may play significant roles in slowing down cataract formation, especially in oxidative stress conditions.
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L-Carnosine shows cataract potentialTelomere Attrition in Human Lens Epithelial Cells Associated with Oxidative Stress Provide a New Therapeutic Target for the Treatment, Dissolving and Prevention of Cataract with N-Acetylcarnosine Lubricant Eye Drops. Kinetic, Pharmacological and Activity-Dependent Separation of Therapeutic Targeting: Transcorneal Penetration and Delivery of L-Carnosine in the Aqueous Humor and Hormone-Like Hypothalamic Antiaging Effects of the Instilled Ophthalmic Drug Through a Safe Eye Medication Technique.
High relevance for cataract treatment
We explored the effects of L-carnosine on cataract treatment, specifically through the use of 1% N-acetylcarnosine eye drops. This innovative approach was designed to address lens opacity, a significant factor contributing to vision impairment and potentially associated with aging processes.
Our study aimed to analyze how oxidative stress affects lens epithelial cells, particularly regarding telomere attrition, which can lead to cataract formation. Through our research, we discovered that L-carnosine can reduce the rate of telomere shortening, suggesting a protective role for the lens cells exposed to oxidative damage.
Notably, patients who used the 1% N-acetylcarnosine drops showed significant improvements in visual functions, such as visual acuity and glare sensitivity. In contrast, those in the control group experienced no meaningful changes.
Ultimately, the findings indicate that L-carnosine may offer a promising therapeutic option for preventing and treating cataracts, enhancing visual health, and addressing aging-related eye issues. As we look towards clinical applications, this research provides an exciting foundation for personalized cataract care.
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Promising cataract treatment mixture[Deceleration of cataract development in rats under the action of N-acetylcarnosine and D-pantethine mixture].
Relevant but lacks isolated findings
We explored the impact of a mixture of N-acetylcarnosine and D-pantethine on cataract development in rats induced by UV-A light. The study utilized instillation of a 5% mixture into the eyes or intraperitoneal injections of varying doses, aiming to observe the mixture's protective effects starting from the 82nd day of the experiment. Notably, we observed that the combination significantly inhibited cataract formation, especially as the study progressed.
UV-A exposure increased the content of water-insoluble proteins in the lens, which is commonly associated with cataract development. However, the use of the mixture effectively prevented this rise, showcasing its potential in cataract treatment. Interestingly, we also noted that the proteins were categorized into three fractions and that UV-A reduced one fraction while increasing others. The combined treatment not only mitigated these changes but demonstrated properties similar to chaperones, which help in maintaining protein structure.
Overall, while the study indicates a positive effect of this specific mixture on cataract development, it doesn't allow us to evaluate the effects of l-carnosine alone given the presence of D-pantethine in the mixture. Thus, while promising, further research is needed to establish the effectiveness of l-carnosine by itself in preventing cataracts.
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