To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Elevated Levels of Inflammatory Marker May Be Associated With Increased Risk of Age-Related Eye Disease URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/215E82.htm Doctor's Guide October 17, 2007
CHICAGO, IL -- October 17, 2007 -- High blood levels of C-reactive protein, a substance linked to inflammation, appear to be associated with an increased risk for age-related macular degeneration, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Age-related macular degeneration or aging macula disorder (AMD) occurs when the macula, the area at the back of the retina involved in sharp vision, deteriorates over time. Inflammation appears to play a role in the development of AMD, according to background information in the article. Proteins associated with inflammation, such as fibrinogen and C-reactive protein, have been found in drusen -- the white deposits below the retina that are a hallmark of AMD. Sharmila S. Boekhoorn, MD, PhD, of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and colleagues examined C-reactive protein levels in 4,914 individuals at risk for AMD. At the initial examination, conducted between 1990 and 1993, blood samples were collected and photographs were taken of the retina. Three additional examinations were conducted over an average of 7.7 years. During this time, 658 individuals were diagnosed with AMD, including 561 with early (initial stage) AMD and 97 with late (more advanced) AMD. As an individual's C-reactive protein level increased above the median (midpoint) of the study population, he or she became more likely to develop AMD. "Evidence is accumulating that inflammatory and immune-associated pathways have a role in other degenerative diseases associated with advancing age, such as atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease," the authors write. "Drusen components have been found in atherosclerotic plaques and deposits in Alzheimer's disease, and AMD, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease may partly share a similar inflammatory pathogenesis." Based on these results, reducing C-reactive protein levels could potentially decrease risk for AMD, the authors note. "A substance that can selectively inhibit C-reactive protein synthesis has not yet been developed, to our knowledge," they write. "Smoking and high body mass index increase C-reactive protein levels. Moderate alcohol intake, diets with a low glycemic index and statin and multivitamin use reduce C-reactive protein levels." Smoking and obesity are already known to increase risk for AMD. This study was supported by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research and by the following foundations: Optimix, Physico Therapeutic Institute, Blindenpenning, Sint Laurens Institute, Bevordering van Volkskracht, Blindenhulp, Rotterdamse Blindenbelangen Association, OOG, kfHein, Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds, Van Leeuwen Van Lignac, Verhagen and Elisa Mathilde. An unrestricted grant was obtained from Topcon Europe BV. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc. Arch Ophthalmol. 2007;125(10):1396-1401. SOURCE: American Medical Association --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.