Risk Factors and Biomarkers of Age-related Macular Degeneration

Overview

Journal Prog Retin Eye Res

Specialty Ophthalmology

Date 2016 May 10

PMID 27156982

Citations 167

Authors

Nathan G Lambert

Hanan Elshelmani

Malkit K Singh

Fiona C Mansergh

Michael A Wride

Maximilian Padilla

David Keegan

Ruth E Hogg

Balamurali K Ambati

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

A biomarker can be a substance or structure measured in body parts, fluids or products that can affect or predict disease incidence. As age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world, much research and effort has been invested in the identification of different biomarkers to predict disease incidence, identify at risk individuals, elucidate causative pathophysiological etiologies, guide screening, monitoring and treatment parameters, and predict disease outcomes. To date, a host of genetic, environmental, proteomic, and cellular targets have been identified as both risk factors and potential biomarkers for AMD. Despite this, their use has been confined to research settings and has not yet crossed into the clinical arena. A greater understanding of these factors and their use as potential biomarkers for AMD can guide future research and clinical practice. This article will discuss known risk factors and novel, potential biomarkers of AMD in addition to their application in both academic and clinical settings.

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