Inflammatory gene defects in AMD

Abstract

AbstractInflammatory markers have been raported in AMD patients at the serum, gene an tissue levels. Of the inflammatory cytokines especially IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐10 have been associated with AMD. Inflammatory cytokines are multifunctional molecules potentially stimulating macrophages and other inflammatory cells and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in AMD lesions. The cytokines a modulate the expression of other inflammatory markers and are associated e.g with elevated levels of CRP in AMD. Targeting these pathways with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agents may be used in future pharmacologic treatments for AMD before and after CNV formation. This presentation reviews current knowledge of inflammatory cytokines in relation to the RPE and AMD in general.