Iris colour, ethnic origin and progression of age‐related macular degeneration

Nicolas, C; Robman, Liubov; Tikellis, Gabriella; Dimitrov, Peter; Dowrick, Adam; Guymer, Robyn H.; McCarty, Catherine A.

doi:10.1046/j.1442-9071.2003.00711.x

Cited by 32 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…A significant inverse correlation between baseline skin pigmentation and the extent of UV-induced DNA damage was also reported by an independent study (Tadokoro et al, 2003). Although the role of chronic exposure of the human retina to solar radiation in the aetiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains controversial (Boulton et al, 2001;Rozanowska and Sarna, 2005), it is of interest to note that AMD is more often found in individuals with lower content of the uveal melanin (Nicolas et al, 2003).…”

Section: Photoprotective and Antioxidant Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 68%

The physical and chemical properties of eumelanin

Meredith

Sarna

2006

Pigment Cell Research

918

1,045

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SummaryIn this article, we review the current state of knowledge concerning the physical and chemical properties of the eumelanin pigment. We examine properties related to its photoprotective functionality, and draw the crucial link between fundamental molecular structure and observable macroscopic behaviour. Where necessary, we also briefly review certain aspects of the pheomelanin literature to draw relevant comparison. A full understanding of melanin function, and indeed its role in retarding or promoting the disease state, can only be obtained through a full mapping of key structure-property relationships in the main pigment types. We are engaged in such an endeavor for the case of eumelanin.

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Section: Photoprotective and Antioxidant Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 68%

The physical and chemical properties of eumelanin

Meredith

Sarna

2006

Pigment Cell Research

918

1,045

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“…Associations between iris colour, fundus pigmentation and ARMD suggest that melanin interacts strongly with the pathways leading to this disease (Young, 1988;Sandberg et al, 1994;Nicolas et al, 2003). Besides melanin itself, also it's highly diffusible and antioxidative precursors, for example DHI, may have a protective role against ARMD and oxidative stress in general.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Melanin Precursor 5,6-Dihydroxyindol: Protective Effects and Cytotoxicity on Retinal Cells in vitro and in vivo

et al. 2007

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5,6-Dihydroxyindole (DHI) is a melanin pigment precursor with antioxidant properties. In the light of a report about cytotoxicity of DHI, the aim of this study was to assess possible toxic effects of DHI on cells related to the eye, such as human ARPE-19 cells and mouse retinal explants. Moreover, DHI was tested on its effects on retinal function in vivo using electroretinography. We found cytotoxicity of DHI against ARPE-19 cells at 100 µM, but not at 10 µM. 10 µM DHI exhibited a slight, though not significant protective activity against UV-A damage in ARPE-19 cells. We found cytoprotection in cultured mouse retinas by 50 µM DHI or its diacetylated derivative 5,6-diacetoxyindole (DAI), respectively. In ERG measurements in vivo, amplitudes were decreased only slightly by 100 µM DHI compared to saline, whereas a better preservation of amplitudes was visible at 10 µM DHI, in particular with respect to cones. In histological sections, more cones were found at 10 µM DHI than at 100 µM DHI. As a conclusion, DHI shows a slight protective effect at 10 µM both in vitro and in vivo. At 100 µM, it shows a strong cytotoxicity in vitro, which is strongly reduced in vivo.

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“…Patients with lighter colored irides have been shown to have a two-fold higher incidence of AMD (Frank et al, 2000; Nicolas et al, 2003) than those with darker irides. One study showed that those with brown eyes, compared to those with blue eyes, were more likely to develop early stage AMD, but those with brown eyes were significantly less likely to have RPE depigmentation, a distinct feature of late stage AMD (Tomany et al, 2003).…”

Section: Biomarkers Of Susceptibilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk factors and biomarkers of age-related macular degeneration

Lambert

Elshelmani

Singh

et al. 2016

Progress in Retinal and Eye Research

296

240

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A biomarker can be a substance or structure measured in body parts, fluids or products that can affect or predict disease incidence. As age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world, much research and effort has been invested in the identification of different biomarkers to predict disease incidence, identify at risk individuals, elucidate causative pathophysiological etiologies, guide screening, monitoring and treatment parameters, and predict disease outcomes. To date, a host of genetic, environmental, proteomic, and cellular targets have been identified as both risk factors and potential biomarkers for AMD. Despite this, their use has been confined to research settings and has not yet crossed into the clinical arena. A greater understanding of these factors and their use as potential biomarkers for AMD can guide future research and clinical practice. This article will discuss known risk factors and novel, potential biomarkers of AMD in addition to their application in both academic and clinical settings.

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Iris colour, ethnic origin and progression of age‐related macular degeneration

Abstract: Individuals with light iris colour or of Anglo-Saxon ethnic origin had a strong tendency to greater progression of AMD. A larger sample is required to confirm these clinically important, but statistically non-significant, associations.

Cited by 32 publications

References 24 publications

The physical and chemical properties of eumelanin

The physical and chemical properties of eumelanin

Melanin Precursor 5,6-Dihydroxyindol: Protective Effects and Cytotoxicity on Retinal Cells in vitro and in vivo

Risk factors and biomarkers of age-related macular degeneration

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