Complement factor H genotypes impact risk of age-related macular degeneration by interaction with oxidized phospholipids.

ABSTRACT: The rs1061170T/C variant encoding the Y402H change in complement factor H (CFH) has been identified by genome-wide association studies as being significantly associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the precise mechanism by which this CFH variant impacts the risk of AMD remains largely unknown. Oxidative stress plays an important role in many aging diseases, including cardiovascular disease and AMD. A large amount of oxidized phospholipids (oxPLs) are generated in the eye because of sunlight exposure and high oxygen content. OxPLs bind to the retinal pigment epithelium and macrophages and strongly activate downstream inflammatory cascades. We hypothesize that CFH may impact the risk of AMD by modulating oxidative stress. Here we demonstrate that CFH binds to oxPLs.

SUBMITTER: Shaw PX 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3427125 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature