Elevated inflammatory marker may be linked to increased risk of age-related eye disease

High blood levels of C-reactive protein, a substance linked to inflammation, appear to be associated with an increased risk for age-related macular degeneration, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Age-related macular degeneration or aging macula disorder (AMD) occurs when the macula, the area at the back of the retina involved in sharp vision, deteriorates over time. Inflammation appears to play a role in the development of AMD, according to background information in the article. Proteins associated with inflammation, such as fibrinogen and C-reactive protein, have been found in drusen—the white deposits below the retina that are a hallmark of AMD. 

Sharmila S. Boekhoorn, M.D., Ph.D., of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and colleagues examined C-reactive protein levels in 4,914 individuals at risk for AMD. At the initial examination, conducted between 1990 and 1993, blood samples were collected and photographs were taken of the retina. Three additional examinations were conducted over an average of 7.7 years.

During this time, 658 individuals were diagnosed with AMD, including 561 with early (initial stage) AMD and 97 with late (more advanced) AMD. As an individual’s C-reactive protein level increased above the median (midpoint) of the study population, he or she became more likely to develop AMD.

“Evidence is accumulating that inflammatory and immune-associated pathways have a role in other degenerative diseases associated with advancing age, such as Atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease,” the authors write. “Drusen components have been found in atherosclerotic plaques and deposits in Alzheimer’s disease, and AMD, Atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease may partly share a similar inflammatory pathogenesis.”

Based on these results, reducing C-reactive protein levels could potentially decrease risk for AMD, the authors note. “A substance that can selectively inhibit C-reactive protein synthesis has not yet been developed, to our knowledge,” they write. “Smoking and high body mass index increase C-reactive protein levels. Moderate alcohol intake, diets with a low glycemic index and statin and multivitamin use reduce C-reactive protein levels.” Smoking and obesity are already known to increase risk for AMD.

###
(Arch Ophthalmol. 2007;125(10):1396-1401)

Editor’s Note: This study was supported by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research and by the following foundations: Optimix, Physico Therapeutic Institute, Blindenpenning, Sint Laurens Institute, Bevordering van Volkskracht, Blindenhulp, Rotterdamse Blindenbelangen Association, OOG, kfHein, Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds, Van Leeuwen Van Lignac, Verhagen and Elisa Mathilde. An unrestricted grant was obtained from Topcon Europe BV. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.

For more information, contact JAMA/Archives Media Relations at 312/464-JAMA (5262) or e-mail .

Contact: Paulus T.V.M. de Jong

JAMA and Archives Journals

RELATED STORIES:
Clue to normal-tension glaucoma; herpes infection and corneal transplants   Just 10 Minutes of Exercise Could Help Prevent Vision Loss from Glaucoma   Stem cell transplants help mice see   Vision Impairment Costs Billions Lost in Productivity   Dry Eye Syndrome affects quality of life for nearly 5 million in the US   Implantable contact lens safe   Loss of Central Vision with Age May Be Linked to Quality of Dietary Carbohydrates   Some supplements can damage eyes   Lasting benefits seen in gene therapy for blindness   Blink Often to Avoid Computer-related Eye Woes   Vision vitamins may be harmful for smokers   Long computer use may be linked to eye disease

Comments

[ + Post Your Own ]

Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Armenian Medical Network's stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

There are no comments for this entry yet. [ + Comment here + ]