Homocysteine and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Homocysteine May Be A Modifiable Risk Factor For AMD
In yesterday’s e-Alert (“Heart of Gold” 3/22/06) I told you about several health problems that are associated with elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine. One of those conditions – age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – is the focus of a recent study.
AMD is a retina disorder that begins at the center of the field of vision and gradually enlarges. It’s the most common cause of blindness for people over the age of 55.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Devers Eye Institute in Portland, Oregon, recruited nearly 550 AMD patients and more than 380 healthy patients as controls. Blood samples revealed that homocysteine levels were higher among patients with advanced AMD, compared to healthy subjects.
Researchers concluded that elevated homocysteine might cause oxidative damage to endothelial cells. And they added: “Homocysteine may be a modifiable risk factor for AMD.”
As noted in yesterday’s e-Alert, folate combined with vitamins B-6 and B-12 have been shown to effectively lower homocysteine levels.
Sources:
“Evaluation of Plasma Homocysteine and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration” American Journal of Ophthalmology, Vol. 141, No. 1, January 2006, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
