Plasma complement components and activation fragments: associations with age-related macular degeneration genotypes and phenotypes.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Several genes encoding complement system components and fragments are associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study was conducted to determine whether alterations in circulating levels of these markers of complement activation and regulation are also independently associated with advanced AMD and whether they are related to AMD genotypes.

Methods

Plasma and DNA samples were selected from individuals in our AMD registry who had progressed to or developed the advanced stages of AMD, including 58 with geographic atrophy and 62 with neovascular disease. Subjects of similar age and sex, but without AMD, and who did not progress were included as controls (n = 60). Plasma complement components (C3, CFB, CFI, CFH, and factor D) and activation fragments (

SUBMITTER: Reynolds R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2826794 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature