Dateline: Huntington, WV
Release Date: 9/4/2009
Dr. Piyali Dasgupta has been awarded $12,000 from the American Retina Foundation (ARF) to study whether nicotine stimulates the development of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the leading cause of blindness in the elderly population. Using preliminary data generated by undergraduate researchers funded by Sigma Xi and INBRE, Dr. Dasgupta’s lab will examine the signaling pathways induced by nicotine, the active component in cigarettes. This study seeks to determine whether there is a correlation between nicotine and angiogenesis, the growth of blood vessels. The generation of aberrant angiogenesis in the eye may be triggered by cigarette smoke, whether inhaled directly or second-hand. The primary goal of this research is to create novel therapies to combat ARMD. If successful, this study will also provide useful information about the effects of nicotine supplements, such as patches or gum, on retinal disease.
The ARF was established by The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) to expose and treat retinal disease through education and research. Through private and corporate donations, the ARF has been successful in its mission to raise awareness about retinal disease, by hosting workshops, providing educational kits, and through the promotion of scientific research.