Retinal pigment epithelium and age‐related macular degeneration: A review of major disease mechanisms

Shreya Somasundaran; Ian J. Constable; Carla B. Mellough; Livia S. Carvalho

doi:10.1111/ceo.13834

journal article Open Access Aug 17, 2020

Retinal pigment epithelium and age‐related macular degeneration: A review of major disease mechanisms

Shreya Somasundaran

Ian J. Constable

Carla B. Mellough

Livia S. Carvalho

Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology Vol. 48 No. 8 pp. 1043-1056 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/ceo.13834

Abstract

AbstractAge‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive degenerative disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly population. Degeneration/dysregulation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a supportive monolayer of cells underlying the photoreceptors, is commonly seen in patients with AMD. While treatment exists for the neovascular/wet form of AMD, there is currently no cure for the non‐exudative/dry form of AMD, making it imperative to understand the pathogenesis of this disease. Although our understanding of the aetiology of AMD has increased over the years, the underlying disease mechanism has not yet been identified, mainly due to the multifactorial nature of this disease. Herein, we review some of the commonly proposed degeneration pathways of RPE cells and their role in the pathogenesis of AMD; including activation of the complement cascade, oxidative stress‐induced cell death mechanisms, dysfunctional mitochondria and the role of crystallins in AMD disease progression.

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Details

Published: Aug 17, 2020
Vol/Issue: 48(8)
Pages: 1043-1056
License: View

Authors

S

Shreya Somasundaran

Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science/Lions Eye Institute University of Western Australia Nedlands Western Australia Australia

I

Ian J. Constable

Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science/Lions Eye Institute University of Western Australia Nedlands Western Australia Australia

C

Carla B. Mellough

Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science/Lions Eye Institute University of Western Australia Nedlands Western Australia Australia

L

Livia S. Carvalho

Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science/Lions Eye Institute University of Western Australia Nedlands Western Australia Australia

Cite This Article

Shreya Somasundaran, Ian J. Constable, Carla B. Mellough, et al. (2020). Retinal pigment epithelium and age‐related macular degeneration: A review of major disease mechanisms. Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, 48(8), 1043-1056. https://doi.org/10.1111/ceo.13834

Retinal pigment epithelium and age‐related macular degeneration: A review of major disease mechanisms

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