Class

Article

College

College of Engineering

Department

Biological Engineering Department

Faculty Mentor

Elizabeth Vargis

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

Introduction

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss worldwide, affecting 200 million adults over the age of 40

  • Affects subretinal layers: retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch’s membrane, and choroid (Fig. 1)

Problem: Early mechanisms of AMD are not well understood; oxidative stress is often cited as a key contributing factor to the development of AMD.3 Current studies neglect to use primary RPE cells when investigating oxidative stress.

Oxidative Stress occurs when there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cellular antioxidant defenses

  • Overabundance of ROS results in damage to tissue and decrease in functionality of cell processes

Aim: Investigate the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and UV on primary porcine RPE (pRPE) cells to model oxidative stress and AMD


Location

Logan, UT

Start Date

4-9-2025 3:30 PM

End Date

4-9-2025 4:20 PM

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Apr 9th, 3:30 PM Apr 9th, 4:20 PM

Evaluating the Effects of Oxidative Stress on Primary Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Logan, UT

Introduction

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss worldwide, affecting 200 million adults over the age of 40

  • Affects subretinal layers: retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), Bruch’s membrane, and choroid (Fig. 1)

Problem: Early mechanisms of AMD are not well understood; oxidative stress is often cited as a key contributing factor to the development of AMD.3 Current studies neglect to use primary RPE cells when investigating oxidative stress.

Oxidative Stress occurs when there is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cellular antioxidant defenses

  • Overabundance of ROS results in damage to tissue and decrease in functionality of cell processes

Aim: Investigate the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and UV on primary porcine RPE (pRPE) cells to model oxidative stress and AMD