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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
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A Workflow to Quantitatively Determine Age-Related Macular Degeneration Lesion-Specific Variations in Fundus Autofluorescence
Published on: May 26, 2023
Evidence for enhanced tissue factor expression in age-related macular degeneration
Youngeun Cho1, Xiaoguang Cao, DeFen Shen
1Immunopathology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1857, USA.
Summary
Tissue factor (TF) is upregulated in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study found increased TF expression in human AMD tissues and mouse models, suggesting inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to TF in AMD eyes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Coagulation Biology
- Pathogenesis of AMD
Background:
- Tissue factor (TF) initiates blood coagulation and is implicated in inflammation and angiogenesis.
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, linked to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Tissue Factor (TF) expression in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- To explore the role of inflammatory and oxidative stress in TF expression within AMD pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Examined TF mRNA and protein expression in human AMD tissues and a mouse model (DKO mice).
- Analyzed TF expression in ARPE-19 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
- Utilized real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry for expression analysis.
Main Results:
- A 32-fold increase in TF mRNA was detected in human AMD lesions compared to normal maculae.
- Elevated TF transcript and protein levels were observed in DKO mouse retinas and RPE cells.
- LPS and H2O2 stimulation increased TF expression in ARPE-19 cells, with LPS showing consistent upregulation.
Conclusions:
- Upregulated TF expression is associated with AMD.
- Inflammatory and oxidative stress may drive TF expression in AMD, contributing to disease pathogenesis.
