Carboxyethylpyrrole Adducts, Age-related Macular Degeneration and Neovascularization

摘要

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in late stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) involves abnormal vessel growth from the choriocapillaris through Bruch's membrane and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and accounts for more than 80% of the severe debilitating vision loss in all AMD patients. The molecular mechanisms associated with AMD pathogenesis and the development of CNV remain poorly understood. We hypothesize that oxidative protein modifications are primary catalysts in AMD pathogenesis and play a role in the development of CNV (Crabb et al., 2002). Oxidative damage has long been suspected of contributing to AMD (Beatty et al., 2000), supported by indirect evidence that smoking increases the risk of AMD (Seddon et al., 1996) and that antioxidant vitamins and zinc can slow disease progression for select individuals (AREDS, 2001).