Oxidative stress linked to AMD

Researchers identified a key protein that binds to a molecule created by oxidative stress which blocks all subsequent inflammatory immune response. Oxidative stress is the process in which proteins, lipids and DNA which have been damaged by oxygen free radicals and other cellular waste build up and cause an inflammatory response from the immune system. Age-related macular degeneration has been linked to oxidative stress. The study which was published in the October 6, 2011 issue of Nature reveals significant insights into how the immune system reacts to oxidative stress and how this response might be used to treat AMD and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Researchers discovered a compound known as malondialdehyde (MDA) which attracted an immune system protein called CFH which bound to it and essentially blocked the uptake of MDA-modified proteins by white blood cells that kill foreign substances. It is hoped that this new discovery of the protective role of CFH will offer new therapies for treating AMD and other chronic conditions. Elise Ervin Staff Writer