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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
09:37
A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging
Published on: July 14, 2016
[Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)]
Stephan Michels1, Malaika Kurz-Levin
1Augenklinik, Universitätsspital Zürich. stephan.michels@usz.ch
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|March 7, 2009
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness, influenced by age, genetics, and smoking. While incurable, treatments targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) show promise for neovascular AMD.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Vision Science
- Gerontology
- Genetics and Epidemiology
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the primary cause of irreversible blindness in industrialized nations.
- AMD prevalence significantly increases with age, indicating a strong age-related component.
- The pathogenesis of AMD is multifactorial, involving genetic susceptibility and environmental influences, with smoking as a key modifiable risk factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies.
- To highlight the role of smoking as a critical modifiable risk factor in AMD development.
- To discuss advancements in managing the neovascular form of AMD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological studies on AMD prevalence.
- Analysis of research on genetic and environmental risk factors, including smoking.
- Review of clinical trial data for therapeutic interventions, particularly anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents.
Main Results:
- AMD is a major cause of legal blindness, disproportionately affecting older populations.
- Smoking is identified as the most significant modifiable risk factor contributing to AMD.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors have demonstrated substantial efficacy in treating neovascular AMD.
Conclusions:
- Currently, no cure exists for AMD, emphasizing the importance of prevention and slowing disease progression.
- Prophylactic measures, including healthy lifestyle choices and nutritional support, are crucial for managing AMD.
- Targeted therapies like anti-VEGF treatments represent a significant therapeutic advance for specific AMD subtypes.
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