Is the cause of macular degeneration hydroxyapatite crystals?
The results of a new study by an international group of scientists working under the leadership of Professor Richard Thompson from the University of Maryland Medical School indicate that one of the important factors provoking the development of age-related macular degeneration are tiny accumulations of calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite) forming in the retinal tissue.
Age–related macular degeneration is a common degenerative disease of the retina that has been progressing for decades, gradually leading to complete loss of vision in the elderly. It is accompanied by the formation of protein-fat deposits in the retina, blocking the flow of nutrients into the photosensitive areas of the eye and the removal of decay products from them. These deposits were discovered more than 100 years ago, but their origin has remained a mystery until now.
During their study, the authors examined retinal tissue samples from elderly patients, some of whom suffered from macular degeneration. X-ray diffraction and fluorescent dye staining methods were used to analyze the composition of the samples. As a result, it was found that protein-fat deposits characteristic of the disease are also formed around tiny fragments of calcium phosphate.
The micrograph shows the so-called spheres of hydroxyapatite in pink,
green is the protein-fat plaque formed around them.
The size of these aggregates increases over time, aggravating the patient's condition. Calcium phosphate is widely distributed in the body, as it is the basis of a solid component of bone tissue, but it has never been detected in this part of the eye before.
Currently, researchers are studying the possibility of using methods for detecting hydroxyapatite crystals for early diagnosis of macular degeneration, which will allow for timely interventions and slow down the progression of the disease. They also hope that in the future it will be possible to find ways to reduce hydroxyapatite deposits or block the build-up of protein-fat aggregates forming around them.
Article by Thompson et al. Identification of hydroxyapatite spheres provides new insight into subretinal pigment epithelial deposit formation in the aging eye published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the University of Maryland School of Medicine:
Common Degenerative Eye Disease May Be Triggered By Tiny Mineral Deposit.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru21.01.2015