Systemic Biomarkers and Chronic Disease Comorbidity in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Lorenzo Bergmann
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Coralie Giraud
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Keywords: Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Systemic Biomarkers, Chronic Comorbidity, Systemic Inflammation
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration remains a leading cause of irreversible visual impairment among older adults globally. Historically conceptualized as a localized ocular pathology, emerging epidemiological and molecular evidence necessitates a paradigm shift towards understanding the condition as a localized manifestation of broader systemic dysfunction. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the systemic biomarkers bridging age-related macular degeneration with chronic systemic comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative disorders. By synthesizing current pathophysiological frameworks, we elucidate the shared biological mechanisms underlying these conditions, including chronic low-grade inflammation, lipid dysregulation, and complement cascade hyperactivation. We examine established and novel circulating biomarkers, detailing the methodological complexities inherent in their quantification and statistical modeling within large-scale epidemiological cohorts. The findings highlight the significant prognostic value of systemic inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and various interleukins, in predicting both ocular disease progression and the onset of systemic morbidities. Furthermore, the convergence of pathogenic pathways suggests that patients presenting with specific retinal phenotypes should be considered for comprehensive systemic evaluations. Ultimately, this integration of ophthalmic and systemic clinical data advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to patient management, fostering the development of targeted, systemic therapeutic interventions capable of mitigating both visual decline and comorbid disease burden.
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