Meta-analysis of the pharmacogenetics of ARMS2 A69S polymorphism and the response to advanced age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes irreversible vision loss, and targeted anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is now the most common and effective treatment. The aim of this meta-analysis is to discuss whether genetic polymorphism of ARMS2 A69S could confer susceptibility to advanced AMD with the response to anti-VEGF treatment.Methods We performed a meta-analysis of relevant published studies selected through electronic databases. A total of 21 preferred studies regarding the association between ARMS2 gene and anti-VEGF treatment response in advanced AMD were generally included in the meta-analysis.Results The pooled results demonstrated that the carriage of G allele for ARMS2 A69S presented a better clinical prognosis for advanced AMD treated with anti-VEGF drugs (OR=1.38, 95% CI=1.13-1.69, P=0.002). Additionally, in the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, ARMS2 polymorphisms were more likely to be a positive responder for East Asian patients (OR=1.67, 95% CI=1.29-2.16, P<0.001).Conclusion This meta-analysis through a series of rigorous methodology data demonstrated a significant association between ARMS2 A69S polymorphism and the anti-VEGF treatment response in advanced AMD, especially among East Asian population. Numerous well-designed, randomized, multicenter clinical trials with large sample size are required to validate the association.

Disparities in Vision Health and Eye Care

“…Diabetic self-management education was found to improve regular follow-up for diabetes care, including eye and vision care, in rural patients. 182 A systematic review 290 of the effectiveness of interventions to promote screening for DR showed that the following interventions were effective: increasing patient and provider awareness of DR, improving access to health care, implementing computerbased registration or reminder systems, fostering collaboration among local organizations that provide retinal screening, and developing a community-based health care system. A reminder was the most frequently used intervention to promote retinal screening, and it was more effective if sent to both physicians and patients.…”