The Role of Extra-cellular Matrix in Age-related Macular Degeneration
The Role of Extra-cellular Matrix in Age-related Macular Degeneration

Author: Ngai Hang Victor Chong

Publisher:

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 328

ISBN-13:

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There is increasing evidence to suggest that changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) play an important role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These changes in ECM in AMD may be an exaggeration of the ECM alterations seen in aging. Similarly, AMD shares many clinical and pathological features with Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy (SFD), an autosomal dominant disease associated with mutations in the gene for TIMP-3, a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (MMPs), an important regulator of ECM. -- In an attempt to understand the role of ECM in AMD, this research initially focused on the expression of TIMP-3 in the Bruch's membrane in aging, SFD and AMD and its spatial correlation with ECM proteins and Bruch's membrane thickness. We found TIMP-3 are accumulated in Bruch's membrane in all three conditions and correlated well with the distribution of elastin and collagen VI tetramer. -- We developed an in vitro system to assess whether the expression of TIMPs and MMPs can be modified by cytokines and to determine whether deposits under the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) could be modulated by the change of expression. Sub-RPE deposits developed in vitro shared similar ultrastructural changes to those seen in AMD and these deposits were modulated with retinal homogenate, TNF-a and MMP-2 providing proof of principle that RPE deposits can be formed and modified in vitro. -- We then studied the thickness and integrity of the elastic layer of the Bruch's membrane within the eye in both normal and AMD donors. The elastic layer has poor integrity in areas prone to have choroidal neovascularisation, a hallmark of neovascular AMD. This is more so in the case of AMD donors suggesting that the elastic layer may be a vital physical barrier for the invasion of these abnormal choroidal blood vessels.

The Ocular Circulation
The Ocular Circulation

Author: Jeffrey W. Kiel

Publisher: Biota Publishing

Published: 2011-02-01

Total Pages: 83

ISBN-13: 1615041699

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This presentation describes the unique anatomy and physiology of the vascular beds that serve the eye. The needs for an unobstructed light path from the cornea to the retina and a relatively fixed corneal curvature and distance between refractive structures pose significant challenges for the vasculature to provide nutrients and remove metabolic waste. To meet these needs, the ocular vascular beds are confined to the periphery of the posterior two thirds of the eye and a surrogate circulation provides a continuous flow of aqueous humor to nourish the avascular cornea, lens and vitreous compartment. The production of aqueous humor (and its ease of egress from the eye) also generates the intraocular pressure (IOP), which maintains the shape of the eye. However, the IOP also exerts a compressing force on the ocular blood vessels that is higher than elsewhere in the body. This is particularly true for the intraocular veins, which must have a pressure higher than IOP to remain patent, and so the IOP is the effective venous pressure for the intraocular vascular beds. Consequently, the ocular circulation operates at a lower perfusion pressure gradient than elsewhere in the body and is more at risk for ischemic damage when faced with low arterial pressure, particularly if IOP is elevated. This risk and the specialized tissues of the eye give rise to the fascinating physiology of the ocular circulations.

Prodrugs
Prodrugs

Author: Valentino Stella

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2007-03-12

Total Pages: 1447

ISBN-13: 038749782X

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These volumes represent a comprehensive guide to prodrugs. They guide the reader through the current status of the prodrug concept and its many applications and highlight its many successes in overcoming formulation and delivery of problematic drugs. Replete with examples of approved and marketed prodrugs, these volumes introduce the topic to the novice as well as professional in the design of prodrugs.

Advances in Probiotics
Advances in Probiotics

Author: Dharumaurai Dhansekaran

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2021-07-15

Total Pages: 568

ISBN-13: 0128230916

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Advances in Probiotics: Microorganisms in Food and Health highlights recent advances in probiotic microorganisms, commercial probiotics, safety aspects of probiotics, preparation and commercialization, microbiome therapy for diseases and disorders, and next generation probiotics. This is a comprehensive resource of developments of new formulations and products for probiotic and prebiotic food with focus on the microorganisms to enable effective probiotic delivery. The book deliberates contemporary trends and challenges, risks, limitations in probiotic and prebiotic food to deliver an understanding not only for research development purposes but also to benefit further standardize industrial requirements and other techno-functional traits of probiotics. At present there is no solitary volume to describe the probiotics and prebiotics properties, Advances in Probiotics: Microorganisms in Food and Health provides novel information to fill the overall gap in the market. It presents the most current information on probiotic and prebiotics for the food industry. This book is a valuable resource for academicians, researchers, food industrialists, and entrepreneurs. Presents a simulated gastrointestinal system to analyze the probiotics effects on gut microbiome for learning purpose Includes research information on Next Generation Probiotics to foster new formulations Provides comprehensive information on probiotic microorganism behavior for more accurate analysis Discusses the potential of probiotic and prebiotic foods in preventing disease

Pharmacologic Therapy of Ocular Disease
Pharmacologic Therapy of Ocular Disease

Author: Scott M. Whitcup

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-06-05

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13: 3319582909

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There have been major advancements in the pharmacologic treatment of eye diseases over the past decade. With newly discovered disease targets and novel approaches to deliver therapeutic compounds to the eye, patients are seeing improved outcomes. Not only are there better treatments for diseases where treatments existed, we now have effective therapy for previously untreatable and blinding eye disorders. This volume will cover the pharmacologic treatment of eye diseases from the front of the eye including eyelids, conjunctiva and cornea all the way back to the retina and optic nerve. The first section of the volume reviews general principles of ocular pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical sciences, and drug delivery. In addition, the volume provides an up to date guide to the pharmacologic approach to the key eye diseases that threaten sight or ocular function.

Fascinating Facts About Phytonutrients in Spices and Healthy Food
Fascinating Facts About Phytonutrients in Spices and Healthy Food

Author: Louis S. Premkumar

Publisher: Xlibris Corporation

Published: 2014-03-25

Total Pages: 247

ISBN-13: 1493150022

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For centuries, there have been claims that healthy food garnished with exotic spices and condiments provides vital nutrients that help ward off diseases, especially preventable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease (hypertension, coronary artery disease) and promote longevity. The purpose of writing this book is to update the public about the health benefits of ingredients (phytochemicals) in spices and healthy food using existing scientific evidence. The ultimate proof of health benefits will be deciphered by the isolation and identification of specific phytochemicals acting on specific receptors in the body exerting their biological effects. The important point being emphasized is that if the physiological effect of an ingredient is glaring, it is considered to elicit a significant response. However, when the effect of an ingredient is significant, yet the effect is not readily perceivable then the usefulness goes unnoticed and can be questioned as a myth. For example, coffee has several ingredients, but only caffeine acting on the adenosine receptors stimulates the central nervous system and promotes wakefulness. Similarly, the specific active ingredient in hot chili pepper, capsaicin, activates a member of a recently identified family of receptors called transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), which is involved in certain modalities of pain, promotes the release of hormones in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although, the bioavailability of the active ingredients is low, it is important to realize that these ingredients can cause significant local effects in the GI tract by preventing cholesterol regeneration by subduing microbiota, inhibiting precancerous growth by promoting calcium influx and stimulating nerve endings to transmit information and to release of gut hormones that are involved in regulating a variety of functions including appetite and satiety.

Neuroscience
Neuroscience

Author: Dale Purves

Publisher: Sinauer Associates Incorporated

Published: 2004-01-01

Total Pages: 773

ISBN-13: 9780878937257

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Neuroscience is a comprehensive textbook created primarily for medical and premedical students; it emphasises the structure of the nervous system, the correlation of structure and function, and the structure/function relationships particularly pertinent to the practice of medicine. Although not primarily about pathology, the book includes the basis of a variety of neurological disorders. It could serve equally well as a text for undergraduate neuroscience courses in which many of the students are premeds. Being both comprehensive and authoritative, it is also appropriate for graduate and professional use. The new edition offers a host of new features including a new art program and the completely revised Sylvius for Neuroscience: Visual Glossary of Human Neuroanatomy, an interactive CD-ROM reference guide to the human nervous system. Major changes to the new edition also include: additional neuroanatomical content, including two appendices-(1) The Brainstem and Cranial Nerves and (2) Vascular Supply, the Meninges, and the Ventricular System; and updated and new boxes on neurological and psychiatric diseases.