C-reactive protein and complement factor H in aged human eyes and eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

摘要

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that inflammation and immune-mediated processes (complement activation) play an important role in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis. A genetic variation in the complement factor H (CFH) gene and plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a systemic marker of subclinical inflammation, have been consistently shown to be associated with an increased risk for AMD. In the present study, we examined the immunolocalization of CRP and CFH in aged control human donor eyes (n=10; mean age 79 yrs) and eyes with AMD (n=18; mean age 83 yrs).