The role of CRP and inflammation in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex, degenerative and progressive disease involving the multiple genetic and environmental factors that can result in severe visual loss. The etiology of AMD is not well understood. Many theories exist and feature mechanisms of oxidative stress, atherosclerotic-like changes, genetic predisposition and infl ammation. The most recent clinical studies appointed to a great role of infl ammation and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the pathogenesis of AMD. There is a large body of evidence indicating the association of CRP with endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as with lipid status disorder in AMD patients. According to recent studies, CRP is defi nitely not only the infl ammatory marker but also a mediator of development of the vascular disorders in the retinal circulation. The results obtained from the present studies may help our understanding the pathogenesis of the retinal vascular disease associated with high levels of CRP.

Short Duration of Sleep Is Associated with Elevated High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Level in Taiwanese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] In addition, elevated hs-CRP has been shown to be a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.…”

“…2 Elevated hs-CRP levels have been associated with infl ammation, aging, cancer, adverse outcomes of angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, adverse outcomes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, and increased risk of mortality. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] In addition, elevated hs-CRP has been shown to be a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. 11 A recent study of more than 4,000 subjects followed for six years revealed that elevated hs-CRP was associated with type 2 diabetes.…”

Association between Previous Cataract Surgery and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

“…worsen macular degeneration. 12,13 Even though our approaches via three discrete null hypotheses appear similar, they could be differently interpreted. If cataracts are protective against sun exposure and artificial intraocular lenses are associated with increased AMD risk, then the AMD prevalence should be different between subjects who have any cataracts (not including clear lens) and subjects who have artificial intraocular lens or have no lens (aphakia).…”

The association of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense parameters with inflammatory markers in patients with exudative form of age-related macular degeneration

“…Lipid accumulation in RPE cells combined with oxidative stress over time results in the formation of lipid peroxidation products such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), malondialdehyde (MDA), isoprostanes (F 2 -IsoPs), acrolein, hexanoyl-lysine, and oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) which have cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory properties on RPE cells. (9) …”