Comprehensive Library Of Resveratrol News

It may come as a surprise to learn that a key and irreplaceable layer of cells in the human retina called retinal pigment epithelium are “immune cells.”  That is, they are phagocytes – cells that protect the light-sensitive retina by ingesting (phagocytosing) harmful foreign particles, bacteria, and dead or dying cells.

Every morning, upon stimulation by light, the human retina sheds used-up vitamin A in a self-renewal process.  If the used-up vitamin A is not disposed of properly, cellular debris will accumulate and eventually destroy photo (light) receptor cells.  This process describes a serious eye problem called night blindness (retinitis pigmentosa).  The red wine molecule resveratrol activates phagocytosis and proper disposal of cellular debris.

Another aspect of resveratrol is that it absorbs or blocks solar ultraviolet light and therefore reduces exposure of sensitive light receptor cells (night vision rods and color vision cones) from UV damage.

Blockage of particular wavelengths of solar light energy by resveratrol  can help prevent a certain form of cellular debris called lipofuscin from converting to its toxic form called A2E.  This means resveratrol has application in preventing macular degeneration, a debilitating eye disease that robs senior adults of their central (reading) vision.

Placement of resveratrol in a lab dish of retinal epithelial cells reduces damage caused via generation of hydrogen peroxide by preventing impairment of retinal pigment epithelial cell phagocytic action.  [Source: Resveratrol and Calcium Signaling: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Relevance.  [Molecules June 5 Volume 19, pages 7328, 2014.]