Virus linked to macular degeneration

US scientists have found that a type of herpes-virus infection of the eye is associated with age-related macular degeneration, a disease that causes blindness in the elderly.

The findings, appearing in PLoS Pathogens, indicate that human cytomegalovirus causes the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a signal protein that regulates the formation of new blood vessels. With the formation of these new blood vessels, retinal tissue destruction occurs, leading to the development of age-related macular degeneration and eventually, blindness.

“Prior to this work, cofactors for the development of AMD [age-related macular degeneration] included genetics, a high fat diet and smoking. Now, we are adding an infections agent as another cofactor,” said immunologist Richard D. Dix, from the Georgia State University Viral Immunology Center.

Human cytomegalovirus is a common herpes virus. It is often acquired during childhood and around 80 percent of the population is estimated to have antibodies for it. If a person has a normal immune system, the virus becomes latent in the cells of bone marrow and blood. But in the elderly, the immune system’s function is reduced and the virus proliferates.

Identifying the virus as a cofactor in the development of AMD opens up new paths for treatment, Dix says. One route could include reducing the viral load by treatment with an antiviral drug or modifying the genetics involved in the upregulation of VEGF. “If we can knock down a certain gene or genes of the virus that stimulates VEGF production, we might be able to decrease it production and minimize AMD,” Dix said.

Related:
Discuss this article in our forum
Compelling new evidence for prostate cancer virus
Physicists to probe flu virus for macro quantum effects
Herpes Virus Transferred To Infants Via Parental DNA
Controversial bird flu research finally published

Source: Georgia State University

, ,

Comments are closed.

2 stickers DONKEY POX BUMPER STICKER VIRUS THAT IS KILLING AMERICA picture

2 stickers DONKEY POX BUMPER STICKER VIRUS THAT IS KILLING AMERICA

$10.52



VENOM #25 (2020 Marvel) 1st App of Virus - Dave Rapoza Variant *FREE SHIPPING* picture

VENOM #25 (2020 Marvel) 1st App of Virus - Dave Rapoza Variant *FREE SHIPPING*

$18.00



Vampire Blood and Anti Virus Combo Halloween Prop Cosplay Real Medical Vials picture

Vampire Blood and Anti Virus Combo Halloween Prop Cosplay Real Medical Vials

$18.99



Kill Your Television 📺 KILL YOUR TV stickers 3 PACK LOT FAKE NEWS MEDIA = VIRUS picture

Kill Your Television 📺 KILL YOUR TV stickers 3 PACK LOT FAKE NEWS MEDIA = VIRUS

$6.99



Resident Evil T-Virus/G-Vaccine Prop Replica (2) Blues and (1) Red picture

Resident Evil T-Virus/G-Vaccine Prop Replica (2) Blues and (1) Red

$20.00



Resident Evil Umbrella Corp T-Virus Halloween Prop Cosplay Real Medical Vials picture

Resident Evil Umbrella Corp T-Virus Halloween Prop Cosplay Real Medical Vials

$18.99



1985 Topps Garbage Pail Kids Series 1 - VIRUS IRIS 21a - OS1 (Matte, EX) picture

1985 Topps Garbage Pail Kids Series 1 - VIRUS IRIS 21a - OS1 (Matte, EX)

$14.88



Resident Evil T-Virus & Antivirus Replica Display Biohazard BRAND NEW rare LE picture

Resident Evil T-Virus & Antivirus Replica Display Biohazard BRAND NEW rare LE

$30.00



1985 Topps Garbage Pail Kids GPK Card First Series 1 OS1 Matte 21a Virus Iris picture

1985 Topps Garbage Pail Kids GPK Card First Series 1 OS1 Matte 21a Virus Iris

$19.99



The Media Is The Virus Sticker Conservative  Bumper Sticker political stickers picture

The Media Is The Virus Sticker Conservative Bumper Sticker political stickers

$3.99



Powered by WordPress. Designed by WooThemes