D: Macular Disease 1 - Week 1 Flashcards
What 2 main processes are involved in AMD development?
RPE changes
Bruchs membrane/choriocapillaris changes
Explain how lipofuscin accumulates in RPE cells
Pr OS phagocytosis by RPE cells (for the visual cycle) results in O2 free-radical formation, which damages RPE cells over time. These damaged components of the RPE cells cannot be degraded (e.g. by RPE autophagy) and are called “lipofuscin”
How does lipofuscin formation in RPE cells differ from formation in most other cells in the body?
RPE: forms as a result of Pr OS phagocytosis
Other cells: form as a result of own internal autophagy
How can we visualise RPE lipofuscin? What is the major lipofuscin component contributing to this?
Lipofuscin is the major source of FAF (Fundus Auto-Fluorescence). This fluorescence mainly comes from A2E.
What does Hyper- and Hypo- fluorescence in FAF imaging represent?
Hyperfluorescence = Excess lipofuscin Hypofluorescence = RPE cells are dead (no lipofuscin) = Geographic atrophy (well demarcated region of loss)
How do small and intermediate drusen appear in FAF?
Small drusen - may remain undetected.
Intermediate drusen - central hypo- fluorescence with annulus of hyper-fluorescence [likely b/c of central RPE atrophy surrounded by abnormal RPE]
How do large soft drusen appear in FAF?
hyper-fluorescence
Does FAF generally detect early CNVM? What about CFP?
For both: No, not early. Later on yes.
How does A2E/lipofuscin interact with the RPE?
Interferes with RPE cell function, leading to apoptosis and subsequent GA (geographic atrophy)
What does the accumulation of lipofuscin ultimately result in?
Lipofuscin vesicles which coalesce to give BlamD (basal laminar deposits) which are shed by the RPE to form BLinD (Basal linear deposits) or sub-retinal drusenoid deposits (Druplets)
How is drusen formed?
When druplets coalesce
What are the two types of drusen and which one is more serious?
Reticular drusen (located above RPE) - more serious (classic) drusen (located below RPE).
What is reticular drusen also known as?
Sub-retinal Drusenoid Deposits (SDD)
What happens to the bruchs membrane with age? (2) How does this affect bm interaction with the RPE?
Gets thicker and more complex
Takes up more cholesterol (develops chol. plaques)
Results in reduced exchange of RPE cells with the choriocapillaris. Which reduces VEGF exchange.
What is factor H (CFH)?
CFH = Complement Factor H. It is the major soluble inhibitor of complement, preventing complement activation and thus reducing positive feedback/inflammation
How does the presence of factor H affect the process of AMD development? (2)
Factor H +ve: promotes RPE apoptosis and leads to Dry AMD
Factor H -ve: increased inflammation from complement and leads to Wet AMD.
List 9 risk factors for AMD
RPE disruption Age Smoking Fellow Eye Genotype Diet Blue eyes Caucasian? Female?
What genotypes are risk factors for AMD?
Increased incidence of AMD in patients with a family history CFH mutation (Y402H + other variants) Apo-E variants
Name 2 dietary nutrients/compounds that affect risk of AMD
Carotenoids - protection
Saturated fat - promotes progression
What are the clinical stages of AMD? What percentage of AMD cases are dry/wet?
- Druplets and drusen
- RPE stress: pigment irregularities (hyper/hypo-fluorescent)
3a. Dry atrophic (85% of cases)
3b. Wet exudative (15% of cases)