The oxidative and inflammatory nature of age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

The understanding of the effects of oxidation and inflammation on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) genesis has been of utmost importance for the advancement of preventive and therapeutical measures adopted in this disease. Several studies have been conducted on lifestyles, dietary antioxidants, expression of antioxidant enzymes, naturally found in the retina, as well as expression of cytokines, enzymes, and growth factors, with an ultimate goal to prevent or mitigate the visual damage induced by AMD. This article details the disruption of redox homeostasis associated with the increase of cells and inflammatory markers, major factors in triggering and/or aggravating the degenerative macular disease. The data sources used in this review study include Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, MedlinePlus Health Information, and Elsevier Science.

Keywords

• age-related macular degeneration
• chronic inflammation
• free radicals
• oxidative stress
• retinal pigment epithelium