Pathological Role of D-amino Acid-Containing Proteins and Advanced Glycation End Products in the Development of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration has become a leading cause of blindness in most developed countries worldwide. In the early phase of the disease, abnormal, yellow-colored material called “drusen” appears between the retinal pigment epithelial cells and Bruch's membrane. Immunohistochemical studies have confirmed that drusen contain D-amino acid-containing proteins and advanced glycation end products. In addition, retinal pigment epithelial cells express a receptor for AGEs (RAGE). These findings indicate that persistent interaction between AGEs and RAGE is involved in the development of age-related macular degeneration.