The pathophysiology of cigarette smoking and age-related macular degeneration

S. S. Ni Dhubhghaill, M. T. Cahill, M. Campbell, L. Cassidy, M. M. Humphries, P. Humphries

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

    46 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common form of visual impairment, in people over 65, in the Western world. AMD is a multifactorial disease with genetic and environmental factors influencing disease progression. Cigarette smoking is the most significant environmental influence with an estimated increase in risk of 2- to 4-fold. Smoke-induced damage in AMD is mediated through direct oxidation, depletion of antioxidant protection, immune system activation and atherosclerotic vascular changes. Moreover, cigarette smoke induces angiogenesis promoting choroidal neovascularisation and progression to neovascular AMD. Further investigation into the effects of cigarette smoke through in vitro and in vivo experimentation will provide a greater insight into the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationRetinal Degenerative Diseases: Laboratory and Therapeutic Investigations
    Place of PublicationNew York ; London
    PublisherSpringer, Springer Nature
    Pages437-446
    Number of pages10
    Volume664
    ISBN (Print)9781441913982
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2010

    Publication series

    NameAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
    Volume664
    ISSN (Print)00652598

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