Microbiota and age-related macular degeneration: where are we today?

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex degenerative multifactorial retinal disease, representing a leading cause of legal blindness among elderly individuals. It is well known that age, family history, smoking, nutrition, and inflammation contribute to the development of AMD. Recent studies support the existence of a gut-retina axis involved in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases, including AMD. High-fat and high simple sugar diets determine a derangement of the gut microbiota, with an increase of gut permeability and systemic low-grade inflammation. Leaky gut is correlated with higher levels of circulating microbial-associated pattern molecules, which trigger the systemic release of potent proinflammatory mediators and stimulate the specific immune cells of the retina, contributing to retinal damage. All these findings suggest that microbiota is closely related to AMD and that it may be targeted in order to influence AMD pathogenesis and/or its clinical course.

Toxicological impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and food-grade titanium dioxide (E171) on human and environmental health

“…12,20,50,78 E171 exerts potential negative effects on intestinal functions, inducing preneoplastic lesions in the colon 41 and altering gut homeostasis and composition. 79 Although these effects remain to be proved in humans, it cannot be excluded that, similar to other nanomaterials, chronic ingestion of TiO 2 NPs may result in negative effects on gut microbiota composition, contributing to the onset or exacerbation of intestinal inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer. 80,81 The ingestion of E171 by human volunteers results in the systemic availability of TiO 2 NPs and an increased blood Ti concentration.…”