Biological Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The objective of this study is to test whether known biological markers of inflammation are correlated with the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Dr. Seddon hypothesizes that AMD is mediated, at least in part, by the same factors shown to be related to other age-related diseases, like atherosclerosis. These factors include chronic inflammation, oxidative processes, and nutritional factors. Dr. Seddon is examining the levels of three inflammatory markers in serum: C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor. She will measure the level of these factors in the serum of 474 patients from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), sponsored by the National Eye Institute, and correlate them to the progression of AMD. Identifying circulating risk factors for AMD may constitute a useful means for screening for AMD in a clinical setting. It is also hoped that the identification of modifiable risk factors can lead to improved therapies and possible prevention of this disease.

Grantee institution at the time of this grant: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary