Revista Brasileira de Oftalmologia (Jun 2012)

Importance of genetic polymorphisms in the response to age-related macular degeneration treatment

  • Carlos Eduardo dos Reis Veloso,
  • Luciana Negrão Frota de Almeida,
  • Luiz Armando De Marco,
  • Raul Nunes Galvarro Vianna,
  • Márcio Bittar Nehemy

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-72802012000300011
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 71, no. 3
pp. 194 – 198

Abstract

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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disorder that affects the central retina and involves the Bruch's membrane, the retinal pigment epithelium and the photoreceptors. Recent studies have shown that polymorphisms of the CFH, LOC387715 and VEGF genes are associated with AMD. Herein, we review the literature to analyze the association between the main genetic polymorphisms and the response to the existing therapeutic modalities. Patients with CFH high-risk alleles show a poorer response to preventive treatment of AMD with antioxidants and zinc.The association between genetic polymorphisms and response to photodynamic therapy and antiangiogenic drugs, however, is controversial until now.

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