Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a medical condition of central loss vision and blindness. Numerous studies have revealed that changes on certain dietary fatty acids (FAs) could have useful for AMD management. This review summarizes the effects of dietary omega-3 long-chain PUFAs, MUFAs, and SFAs, and lipoproteins on AMD. Findings are consistent with the beneficial role of dietary omega-3 long-chain PUFAs, while the effects of dietary MUFAs and SFAs appeared to be ambiguous with respect to the possible protection from MUFAs and to the possible adverse impact from SFAs on AMD. Some of the pathological mechanisms associated with lipoproteins on AMD share those observed previously in cardiovascular diseases. It was also noticed that the effects of FAs in the diet and lipoprotein on AMD could be modulated by genetic variants. From a population health perspective, the findings of this review are in favour of omega-3 long-chain FAs recommendations in a preventive and therapeutic regimen to attain lower AMD occurrence and progression rates. Additional long-term and short-term nutrigenomic studies are required to clearly establish the role and the relevance of interaction of dietary FAs, lipoproteins, and genes in the genesis and progression of AMD.
Highlights
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was first described by Haab in 1888 (Haab, 1888), though Verhoeff and Grossman suggested that features of AMD might have been observed in 1875 (Verhoeff and Grosman, 1937)
In accordance with the importance of dietary fatty acids (FAs) and lipoproteins in cardiovascular disease (CVD), previous studies have sought to underline their role on the fat metabolism as a risk factor for the onset of AMD
This is the case for the intake of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, and zinc (Weikel et al, 2012a)
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was first described by Haab in 1888 (Haab, 1888), though Verhoeff and Grossman suggested that features of AMD might have been observed in 1875 (Verhoeff and Grosman, 1937). Dysfunction of the choroid, Bruch’s membrane, and the RPE are the principal mechanisms involved in the onset of AMD (Lee et al, 2015). Environmental and genetic factors influence the events underlying the disease and modifying the individual risk factors of developing AMD (Ersoy et al, 2014). In line with this concept are the shared risk factors between AMD and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which suggests a mutual pathological mechanism. In accordance with the importance of dietary fatty acids (FAs) and lipoproteins in CVD, previous studies have sought to underline their role on the fat metabolism as a risk factor for the onset of AMD. It is conceptually attractive that evaluating the influence of dietary FAs and lipoproteins on AMD could help to identify new targets for AMD management
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
