Longevinex ® Improves Human Atrophic Aged-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Photoreceptor / Retinal Pigment Epithelium Mediated Dark Adaptation*

Abstract

Aim: Gradual photoreceptor/ RPE deterioration/ vision loss in AMD is common, irrespective of US NEI AREDS I/II supplement risk reduction, or intra-vitreal anti-VEGF pharmacology. We evaluated dark adaptation (DA), a broad measure of photoreceptor / RPE health, with / without epigenetic modulation using a resveratrol–based caloric-restriction mimic (Longevinex ®www.longevinex.com). Study Design: Case series, bi-ocular, clinical DA evaluation in deteriorating AMD, before and after supplementation, under medical center compassionate use guidelines. Place and Duration of Study: Captain James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Illinois, USA, Optometry/Ophthalmology Departments between 4/2015 and 8/2016. Methods: Baseline clinical DA threshold (log DB), time (min), and fixation (%) were taken for patients with established atrophic AMD (n=14 eyes; 6 M / 1 F; ages 64 - 89 years), using the AdaptDx ® (www.maculogix.com), with pupil dilation and best refraction. Following prescription of Longevinex® 1 capsule qd AM, DA was repeated, with each eye’s response considered independent. Results: All but 2 eyes improved in one or more DA parameters, with 3 cases showing improvement by retinal macula SD OCT. Expected vs. actual (worse vs. same/better), by eye, was significant by Chi Square, P < .01. Additional factors affecting DA: smoking, alcohol, elevated CRP and statins were retrospectively evaluated. Conclusion: These first cases of epigenetic-induced DA stability / improvement are consistent with previous beneficial effects of Longevinex® such as enhanced choriocapillaris circulation. DA is the earliest functional AMD sign and a prime candidate for “AMD prevention”. This work merits expansion to controlled studies.