Biography
Omar Abdelwahab is a research fellow, University of Southampton. During his PhD studies, he was engaged in an intensive biomedical research project investigating the potential anti-inflammatory properties of Manuka honey-derived agents against the mast cell mediated tissue inflammation. He studied the cellular mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory properties of Manuka honey via the inhibition of activation of the pro-inflammatory receptor MRGPRX2 and the accompanied inhibition of the intracellular enzymes ERK1/2, Akt and STAT3. Currently he is a member of a team investigating the therapeutic anti-inflammatory potential of Medihoney, a medical-grade Manuka honey, in the treatment of chronic inflammation in Interstitial cystitis and atopic dermatitis. In addition, Omar is a member of the Thermosense lab research group. He is involved in the assessment of skin inflammation via quantification of a wide group of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in skin sebum samples collected via adhesive sebutapes.