Abstract

SA.23.08

New developments in atherosclerosis research – therapeutic options for dry ARMD?

Martin Rudolf, Salvatore Grisanti
Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Deutschland

Up to date there is no prevention or therapy for early stages of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) as well as for its advanced dry stages. Current developments in atherosclerosis research might disclose new therapeutic options since ARMD and atherosclerosis share certain important processes in their pathogenesis. This includes especially the age-related accumulation of lipids in form of lipoproteins in extracellular tissues (vascular intima / Bruch’s membrane) and a chronic local inflammatory response.
New developments in atherosclerosis research are presented with regards to a potential reduction of these ARMD-relevant processes. New strategies target proinflammatory substances like peroxidized phospholipids by immunization or elevated plasma lipid levels by new highly effective lipid lowering drugs like cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CEPT) inhibitors. Furthermore, apolipoprotein A-I variants (e.g. ApoA-I Milano) are experimentally and clinically evaluated, which act strongly anti-inflammatory and reduce efficiently vascular lipid depositions.
All together, there are new approaches in atherosclerosis research with a potential benefit for ARMD which are worth to be evaluated as potential ARMD therapeutics.

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