Saffar Mansoor
Case Western Reserve University, USA
Title: Protecting retinal cells against cigarette smoke components
Biography
Biography: Saffar Mansoor
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a macular neurodegenerative disease, is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in theelderly populationworldwide. The prevalence of this disease is expected to increase in the coming years as people live longer. Cigarette smoking is one of the strongest factors associated with developing the most severe form of AMD. Cigarette smoke components (CSC), such as acrolein, nicotine, benzo(e)pyrene, hydroquinone, catechol, chrysene and 2-ethylpyridine, are hazardous to human health including the eye. Several recent research studies have shown the damaging effects of CSC on retinal pigment epithelial cells, retinal neurosensory cells, microvascular endothelial cells and MUller cells involve many complex molecular pathways. The mechanisms of CSC-induced toxicity on these cells include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. However, genistein, resveratrol, memantine, epicatechin, and alpha-lipoic acid have shown potential to reverse the toxic effects of CSC on these retinal cells. Therefore, their administration may improve or delay development of AMD.
Speaker Presentations
Speaker PPTs Click Here