Scientists see benefits of nanoceria

James McGinnis and colleagues at the University of Oklahoma injected cerium oxide nanoparticles into the eyes of rats and discovered the substance can protect the retina against exposure to damaging levels of illumination. If injected after exposure, the nanoparticles assisted recovery.

The researchers say the nanoparticles neutralize the effects of compounds known as reactive oxygen intermediates, or ROIs, although the mechanism underlying the process remains unclear.

The study's results indicate cerium oxide nanoparticles may be effective in inhibiting cell death caused by ROIs, which is thought to be involved in various medical conditions affecting the eye, such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

The researchers speculate the particles might be effective in treating a range of other degenerative diseases involving ROIs, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and strokes.

Study results appear in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International