Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a widespread eye condition affecting approximately 200 million people across the globe. This condition can lead to legal blindness by damaging the retina, a vital part of the eye which we rely on for activities like reading, driving, and a host of other important daily tasks. A recent study, drawing on extensive patient datasets, has found demographic and genetic factors that can increase the risk of developing AMD.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the Million Veteran Program (MVP) of the VA Office of Research and Development. The MVP is a massive biobank that includes veterans from over 60 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers across the nation. This study aimed to explore the lifestyle, demographic, genetic risk profiles, and clinical factors associated with AMD.
Over 287,000 veterans participating in the MVP were included in the study. The findings from these veterans were then combined with results from various other independent biobanks. This enabled the researchers to conduct the most extensive study on genetic risk for AMD to date. This study was also the first of its kind to include populations of diverse ancestry.
Sudha Iyengar, a professor and vice chair of research in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, highlighted the importance of including veterans of African or Hispanic descent in the MVP. These groups have been underrepresented in previous AMD genetic studies. By including these groups, the researchers were able to gain more insights into AMD, a condition with limited effective treatments available.
One significant finding from the study was that the global human genome reveals specific signatures for a higher AMD risk in individuals of European descent compared to those of African or Hispanic descent. The study also revealed additional genetic markers with subtle but potentially significant biological contributions to the probability of developing AMD.
Furthermore, the study found that the number of genes associated with AMD increased from the previously identified 34 to 60. It also reaffirmed previous findings that a history of smoking or alcohol use increases the likelihood of developing AMD. Despite the majority of the MVP participants being male, the study confirmed earlier observations that women are more prone to AMD than men.
The study was a collaborative effort involving scientists from various VA medical centers. The research was spearheaded by Sudha Iyengar, along with the late Robert Igo Jr., Dana Crawford, and Jessica Cooke Bailey at the School of Medicine. They worked closely with Neal Peachey, associate chief of staff for research of the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System and professor of ophthalmic research at Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. The research was funded by grants awarded to Peachey from the VA Office of Research and Development.
In conclusion, this study serves as a significant step forward in our understanding of AMD biology and the factors contributing to this prevalent eye condition.
Comments are closed for this post.