The Importance of Redox Modulations in Disease
Cellular redox shifts towards a more oxidized environment result in lipid peroxidation, protein and DNA oxidation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These changes are linked to various diseases, including neurodegeneration and aging.
To address this, a new class of synthetic compounds called Multifunctional Redox Modulators (MFRMs) has been developed. These compounds uniquely reduce oxidative stress, which can lead to debilitating tissue damage. MFRMs not only scavenge free radicals but also independently sequester and redistribute transition metals such as iron, copper, and zinc, which play a role in generating toxic hydroxyl radicals.
Originally named Multifunctional Antioxidants (MFAOs), these compounds were later renamed MFRMs due to their multiple distinct properties that directly and indirectly modulate the cellular redox environment. Beyond neutralizing free radicals, MFRMs can also counteract neurotoxic zinc complexes found in amyloid beta plaques and protect mitochondrial function against manganese poisoning.
These compounds are orally active and reach therapeutic levels in sensory cell tissues, including the eyes, ears, and central nervous system (CNS).
Peter F. Kador received a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from the Ohio State University and after a 25-year career at the National Institutes of Health retired as the Chief of the Laboratory of Ocular Therapeutics from the National Eye Institute. Prior to becoming Professor Emeritus, he served for 18 years as a professor at the College of Pharmacy and adjunct professor in the Departments of Ophthalmology, His work has been recognized with numerous national and international awards that include the Rhoto Cataract Research Award, Alcon Research Institute Award, Kinoshita Lectureship, Ernst H. Bárány Prize, UNMC Distinguished Scientist Award, Capital University Alumni Award, the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy Jack Beal Postbaccalaureate Alumni Achievement Award, and the Bundesverdienstkreuz (Federal Cross of Merit) from the German Government. He is a fellow of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Association of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and an overseas fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and a member of the American Health Council in Ophthalmology.