In vitroeffects of vitamin supplements on platelet-activating factor and its metabolism in age-related macular degeneration

Anti-platelet effects of vitamin supplements in age-related macular degeneration: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the role of vitamin supplements (Ocuvite, Vitalux Omega, and Nutrof Total) as possible inhibitors of the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-aggregating effect of each vitamin was determined against four accumulative factors namely, platelet activating factor (PAF), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP), and arachidonic acid (AA) in the platelet rich plasma (PRP) of healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Ocuvite, Vitalux Omega, and Nutrof Total were more potent inhibitors against PAF and ADP compared to TRAP and AA. Among the three vitamins, Nutrof Total displayed more potent inhibitions against TRAP and AA, while against PAF and ADP all the three vitamins revealed similar IC₅₀ values.

CONCLUSIONS

The vitamins Ocuvite, Vitalux Omega, and Nutrof Total have anti-aggregating effects and therefore can be used against AMD in healthy volunteers.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Pathogenesis, Genetic Background, and the Role of Nutritional Supplements

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness worldwide, mainly affecting people over 65 years old. Dry and wet ARDM are the main types of the disease, which seem to have a multifactorial background. The aim of this review is to summarize the mechanisms of ARMD pathogenesis and exhibit the role of diet and nutritional supplements in the onset and progression of the disease. Environmental factors, such as smoking, alcohol, and, diet appear to interact with mutations in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, contributing to the pathogenesis of ARMD. Inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress, induced by the daily exposure of retina to high pressure of oxygen and light radiation, have been also associated with ARMD lesions. Other than medical and surgical therapies, nutritional supplements hold a significant role in the prevention and treatment of ARMD, eliminating the progression of macular degeneration.