ACEND

What Does Inflammation Have to Do with the Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Date: February 04, 2025. 
Contributing Authors: Team TRILITY / ACEND

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, primarily affecting individuals over the age of 50. While genetics and environmental factors play a significant role in the development of AMD, emerging research highlights the critical role of chronic inflammation in its progression. This article explores how inflammation contributes to AMD, the inflammatory biomarkers involved, and how targeted interventions—like polyphenols and other bioactive compounds—can help mitigate disease progression.

The Connection Between Chronic Inflammation and AMD

The retina, a highly metabolically active tissue, is constantly exposed to oxidative stress from light exposure and high oxygen consumption. Over time, these stressors can lead to low-grade, chronic inflammation—a key driver of AMD. Inflammatory processes contribute to cellular damage in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the formation of drusen, the hallmark extracellular deposits seen in AMD.

There are two primary types of AMD:

  1. Dry AMD (Non-Exudative) – Characterized by drusen accumulation and gradual atrophy of the RPE and photoreceptors.
  2. Wet AMD (Exudative) – Involves abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina (choroidal neovascularization), leading to leakage, scarring, and rapid vision loss.

Both forms of AMD involve inflammatory pathways, but wet AMD is particularly driven by excessive vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, leading to pathological blood vessel formation.

Inflammatory Biomarkers in AMD Progression

Several inflammatory cytokines and immune system components are elevated in individuals with AMD, reinforcing the connection between inflammation and disease progression.

Key Inflammatory Mediators in AMD:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP): Elevated levels of CRP are associated with an increased risk of AMD, reflecting systemic inflammation.
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α): Promotes retinal cell apoptosis and increases oxidative stress.
  • Interleukin-6 (IL-6): Plays a role in chronic inflammation and is found in higher concentrations in AMD patients.
  • Complement System Activation (C3, C5, and C5a): The complement system, a part of the immune response, becomes dysregulated in AMD, leading to excessive inflammation and retinal damage.
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): Triggers abnormal blood vessel formation in wet AMD, worsening inflammation and tissue damage.

The presence of these markers suggests that inflammation is not just a secondary response but a fundamental driver of AMD progression.

How Lifestyle and Nutrition Influence AMD and Inflammation

While genetic predisposition is a major risk factor for AMD, lifestyle choices can significantly modulate inflammation levels and influence disease progression.

Pro-Inflammatory Factors That Increase AMD Risk:

  • Diet high in processed foods and refined carbohydrates – Triggers oxidative stress and systemic inflammation.
  • Smoking – Increases oxidative damage and disrupts retinal homeostasis.
  • Chronic stress and poor sleep – Elevate cortisol and inflammatory cytokines.
  • Sedentary lifestyle – Leads to metabolic dysfunction and increased inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Strategies to Reduce AMD Progression:

  1. Nutrient-Dense, Anti-Inflammatory Diet

    • Foods rich in polyphenols (green tea, dark berries, and turmeric) have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
    • Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish, flaxseeds) can help counteract inflammatory cytokines.
    • A Mediterranean diet has been linked to a lower risk of AMD progression due to its high content of antioxidants and healthy fats.

  2. Targeted Nutraceuticals for Retinal Health

    • Lutein and Zeaxanthin – These carotenoids accumulate in the macula and protect against light-induced oxidative damage.
    • Astaxanthin – A powerful antioxidant that crosses the blood-retina barrier and reduces retinal inflammation.
    • Quercetin and Epicatechin – These polyphenols inhibit NF-κB, a major inflammatory signaling pathway involved in AMD.
    • N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) – Enhances glutathione levels, a critical antioxidant in retinal cells.
    • Curcumin – Modulates inflammatory pathways, particularly TNF-α and IL-6, and has shown promise in preclinical AMD models.

  3. Gut Microbiome and AMD

    • Emerging research suggests that gut dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) contributes to systemic inflammation and may exacerbate AMD.
    • Prebiotics and probiotics can help modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation by promoting gut homeostasis.
    • Polyphenols like grape seed extract and black cumin seed extract support a healthy gut microbiome while reducing oxidative stress.

How ACEND Targets Inflammation in AMD

ACEND is a medical food designed to combat chronic inflammation at its root, including inflammation-driven conditions like AMD. By leveraging a combination of polyphenols, antioxidants, and gut-supporting compounds, ACEND helps regulate inflammatory pathways and supports retinal health.

How ACEND’s Ingredients Address AMD:

  • CurcuRouge® (Curcumin) – Clinically proven high-bioavailability curcumin, reducing NF-κB activation and retinal inflammation.
  • Quercetin and Dihydroquercetin – Potent flavonoids that inhibit inflammatory cytokines and oxidative damage in the retina.
  • Luteolin and Epicatechin – Reduce vascular inflammation and oxidative stress linked to AMD progression.
  • Astaxanthin – Crosses the blood-retina barrier to protect photoreceptors from light-induced damage.
  • N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) – Replenishes glutathione levels, protecting against oxidative stress.
  • Proanthocyanidins (from Grape Seed Extract) – Combat oxidative stress and complement dysregulation in AMD.
  • Prebiotics and Probiotics (LactoSpore Bacillus coagulans) – Help regulate immune responses and lower systemic inflammation.

By targeting multiple inflammatory pathways, ACEND provides a comprehensive, drug-free approach to managing chronic inflammation and AMD progression.

Final Thoughts

Chronic inflammation plays a central role in the progression of AMD, from drusen accumulation to retinal cell apoptosis and abnormal vascular growth. While conventional treatments like anti-VEGF injections can slow wet AMD, nutritional and lifestyle interventions offer a powerful strategy to reduce inflammation and protect vision long-term.

Incorporating anti-inflammatory compounds, supporting gut health, and leveraging medical foods like ACEND can help mitigate AMD progression, offering a proactive approach to retinal health.

For those looking to protect their vision and combat inflammation at its root, targeting inflammation with the right nutrients may be one of the most effective strategies.

Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional before considering any treatment options or significant dietary changes.