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A Method for Assessing the Genetic Risk for Cataract

Summary

Cataract is a leading cause of blindness in elderly and diabetic patients. Poor glycemic control can lead to increased conversion of glucose to sorbital via the aldose reductase pathway. Increased accumulation of sorbital has been implicated in the development of cataract. Our group has found an association between a microsatellite marker of the aldose reductase gene and the occurrence of cataract in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The microsatellite alleles can be identified using polymerase chain reaction-based techniques followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The presence of the microsatellite allele Z confers an increased risk for cataract. Whereas, another allele (allele Z-4) reduces the risk for the eye disease. We now declare that our genetic test (i.e., using the microsatellite marker) can be used to identify subjects with increased susceptibility towards cataract formation, at least in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Identification of these high risk subjects will allow more intensive treatment including the use of aldose reductase inhibitors.

Supplementary Information

Patent Number: CN101029338B
Application Number: CN200710008350A
Inventor: Juliana C. N. Chan | Clive S. Cockram | Critchley Julian A. J. H. Di | Shao C. Lee | Maggie C. Y. Ng
Priority Date: 30 Mar 2001
Priority Number: CN101029338B
Application Date: 29 Mar 2002
Publication Date: 19 May 2010
IPC Current: C12Q000168 | A61P002712 | C12Q000126 | G01N003350
Assignee Applicant: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Title: Determination of risk factors for cataract by aldose reductase genotype | Risk rate determining cataract through aldose reductase genotype
Usefulness: Determination of risk factors for cataract by aldose reductase genotype | Risk rate determining cataract through aldose reductase genotype
Summary: The method is useful for treating a human having an increased risk of developing cataract (claimed).
Novelty: Determining risk of developing cataracts for the manufacture of a medicament for treating cataracts, by evaluating a nucleic acid for the presence of Z-4 or Z-2 allele of the aldose reductase gene

Industry

Biomedical

Sub Category

Medical Composition

Application No.

01/MED/074 Inventor: Professor Chung Ngor Juliana CHAN, Department of Medicine & Therapeutics Patent Status:  HK Short-Term Patent no. HK1034643  Chinese Patent Pending (No. 02805722.8)  US Patent Pending (No. 10/473537)  HK Standard Patent Pending (No. 01102140.4)  Chinese Divisional Patent Pending (No. 200710008350.2) Availability: Worldwide exclusive or non-exclusive licence

Country/Region

Hong Kong