HBV infection increases the risk of macular degeneration: the roles of HBx-mediated sensitization of retinal pigment epithelial cells to UV and blue light irradiation

摘要

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is strongly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma due to the main pathogenic X protein of HBV (HBx). Whether HBV infection and the HBx protein could result in macular degeneration (MD) is not known. The aim of this study is to assess the association and underlying mechanisms between HBV infection and MD.