by Dan Roberts
February 28, 2008
A report in the February 28, 2008 online British Journal of Ophthalmology revealed that at least some cases of age-related macular degeneration may stem from genetically driven production of interleukin-8. The gene variant is found more commonly in patients with age-related macular degeneration.
The -251AA genotype of the interleukin-8 promoter gene has previously been found to promote release of interleukin-8, an inflammatory cytokine. Cytokines are signaling compounds in the cells that are involved in a variety of immunological, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. This latest study has shown that the -251AA genotype is often found in people with AMD. Other inflammatory diseases, cancers, and even smoking behaviors have been linked to the gene, and it may also promote angiogenesis, as in wet AMD.
The results came from a case-control study involving 478 patients with macular degeneration and 555 people with healthy eyes. 35% of the patients and 27% of controls had the -251AA genotype. If follow-up studies confirm the findings, researchers think it may be worthwhile to test patients for the -251AA genotype and treat them with anti-inflammatory therapies.
Source: Goverdhan S, et al "Interleukin-8 promoter polymorphism -251A/T is a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration" BJO 2008; DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2007.123190.