Aggrelyte Lens Protein Solubilization for Presbyopia Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Presbyopia, a vision-impeding condition affecting millions, is caused by the age-related hardening and stiffening of the lens due to protein crosslinking and aggregation, necessitating compositions and methods to treat, prevent, or reverse this condition.
Innovation Solution
Administration of aggrelytes, such as N,S-diacetyl-L-cysteine methyl ester, S-acetyl-N-(3,3-dimethylbutanoyl)-L-cysteinate, and N-acetyl cysteine methyl ester, to solubilize aggregated lens proteins and reduce lens stiffness through acetylation and disulfide bond reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If lens proteins undergo posttranslational modifications and crosslinking over time, then the lens becomes more stable structurally, but the lens stiffness increases and accommodation ability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of lens proteins by introducing acetylation modifications through aggrelyte treatment. This chemical modification alters the physical properties of the proteins, specifically reducing crosslinking and aggregation while maintaining structural stability, thereby decreasing lens stiffness without compromising integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses aggrelyte as an intermediary substance that mediates the interaction between lens proteins and acetyl groups. This intermediary facilitates the acetylation process, which in turn modifies protein-protein interactions and reduces harmful crosslinking and aggregation, resolving the contradiction between stability and stiffness
2Quantity of substance
If lens proteins accumulate and aggregate with age, then the lens maintains its mass, but the lens becomes insoluble and stiffens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of protein aggregation into a beneficial outcome by using aggrelyte-induced acetylation. The aggregation process is reversed or prevented through chemical modification, transforming the accumulated proteins from a harmful stiffening factor into a beneficial soluble component that maintains lens flexibility and function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Aggrelytes effectively solubilize aggregated lens proteins, decrease lens stiffness, and acetylate lysine residues, thereby reducing lens hardness and improving accommodation ability, with potential applications in treating or preventing presbyopia.
Implementation Method 1
acetylation of lens proteins and reduction of disulfide bonds in lens proteins
Implementation Method 2
acetylation of lens proteins and reduction of disulfide bonds in lens proteins
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of treating, preventing, delaying, or reversing presbyopia in a subject involve administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of an aggrelyte to the subject. The aggrelyte may be one or more of N,S-diacetyl-L-cysteine methyl ester, S-acetyl-N-(3,3,-dimethylbutanoyl)-L-cysteinate, or N-acetyl cysteine methyl ester. The aggrelyte may be administered topically.