"Neuroprotective Effects of Exercise on Retinal Disease"

Machelle T. Pardue, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology
Emory University
Research Career Scientist, Atlanta VA Medical Center

Seminar will be made available via videoconference in the Health Sciences Research Building, room E182 and Technology Enterprise Park, room 208.

Exercise is a common intervention for rehabilitation of motor, and more recently, cognitive function.  While the mechanisms are complex, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) contributes significantly to these neuroprotective effects.  Age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma are the leading causes of blindness with few effective treatments to stop or slow the progression of vision loss.  Our data shows that exercise protects retinal function and structure in rodent models of retinal degeneration and diabetic retinopathy through BDNF signaling pathways.  Exercise is a noninvasive, inexpensive rehabilitation therapy that can be started early in the course of disease.  In addition, it shows promise as a pleiotropic intervention for multiple retinal diseases and for complications of systemic disease, such as cognitive and retinal dysfunction in diabetes.

Ross Ethier, PhD - faculty host