Natural Protein May Hurt Vision

A recent study conducted by the Medical College of Georgia has found that high levls of an amino acid called homocysteine could harm the eyes. Homocysteine is a chemical compound with the formula HSCH₂CH₂CH(NH₂)CO₂H. It is a homologue of the naturally-occurring amino cysteine, differing in that its side-chain contains an additional methylene (-CH₂-) group before the thiol (-SH) group. It is suspected that homocysteine is a likely cause of retinal damage and vision loss. High levels of homocysteine damage the extensive blood vessel and neuronal network of the retina.

Homocysteine levels increase when there’s a decline in folic acid (folate) levels. This is a problem for many Americans because they don’t eat enough folate-rich fruits, vegetables and grains. Folate, along with vitamine B12, convert this homocysteine to methionine. When this conversion fails, elevated levels of homocysteine levels interfere with the folding and structure of collagen.

The retina is a thin layer of neural cells that lines the back of the eyeball. It is comparable to the film in a camera. The retina is very important because it is party of the central nervous system, and is also the only part of the central nervous system that can be imaged directly. The retina’s job is to receive light and transform it into neural impulses that go to the brain.

The U.S. National Institute of Health has made a grant of $1.8 million in hopes to learn more about how elevated levels of this amino acid may affect the retina.

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http://health.yahoo.com/news/180771;_ylt=Al52THwh8DjcuNwHQKApnCCmxbAB