DIABETIC RETINOPATHY MAY BENEFIT FROM ASPIRIN.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School compared the effects of aspirin and an anti-platelet agent, clopidogrel in animal models with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Aspirin at doses well below the anti-inflammatory range for humans prevented apoptosis (cell death) of capillary cells and the development of acellular capillaries. Clopidogrel had no such effects. Dr. Lorenzi, senior investigator, stated that an 81 mg per day anti-platelet dose of aspirin is already recommended to people with diabetes for prevention of cardiovascular disease when they have one additional risk factor, and may have benefits that extend to the retinal vessels. (Natural Products Insider, Jan. 2006)