The Role of Inflammatory Factors in the Pathogenesis of Age-related Macular Degeneration

Wydanie 2/2018
str. 53 – 57

Autorzy: Aneta Lewicka-Chomont, Kinga Król-Jarosz, Anna Uliasz

Klinika Okulistyki Klinicznego Szpitala Wojewódzkiego Nr 1 im. Fryderyka Chopina w Rzeszowie
Kierownik: dr n. med. Aneta Lewicka-Chomont

Summary: Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible central visual impairment in the elderly population worldwide. Understanding the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration is critical for the development of efficient therapies.

Apart from known risk factors such as advanced age, genetic variants, cigarette smoke or high body mass index, inflammation as well as oxidative damage have been implicated in the disease induction and progression. Recent findings strongly suggest a role for immunologic processes in age-related macular degeneration pathogenesis. Several inflammatory mediators, including chemokines, cytokines and complement components, are elevated at both the local and systemic levels in age-related macular degeneration patients. This review discusses for the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration.