Abstract
Purpose: :
The etiology and progression of AMD involves gene/environment interaction and oxidative stress is a common mechanism contributing to age-related tissue degeneration, inflammation and mechanisms of genetic predisposition. The purpose of the study is to explore plasma biochemical markers of oxidative stress and inflammation as possible indicators for the presence of AMD.
Methods: :
The thiol/disulfide redox status was measured by HPLC in 30 elderly patients with AMD and 15 control subjects. A multiplex cytokine array approach was used to simultaneously measure 14 proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1b, IL-1ra, IL-6,IL-8, IL-10,IL-12, IFN-g, MCP-1, MIP-1a, MIP-1b, TNF-a, IL-18, IL-F,ICAM). Plasma levels of isoprostane and isofurane were measured by thin layer chromatography followed by mass spectrometry.
Results: :
The redox status of plasma cysteine and glutathione pools showed correlation with several interleukins including IL 6 and IL 8. Isoprostane, the best available marker of lipid peroxidation, had no association with thiol metabolites. Some of the cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, showed a trend suggesting increased levels in patients with AMD.
Conclusions: :
Common signaling mechanisms may function in both oxidative stress and inflammation and contribute to aging and AMD. Plasma biomarkers can potentially be used to identify people with increased risk of AMD and/or monitor the therapeutic outcome.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • antioxidants • clinical research methodology