Exploring the Role of Gut Bacteria in Early AMD

The gut microbiome can influence and modify the body’s immune responses and may be of relevance in AMD. Therefore, the aim of this project is to explore the role of the gut microbiome in AMD which may help us better understand the disease to develop new therapies for AMD.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common sight-threatening condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina that allows us to read, see fine detail and recognize faces and it is the leading cause of sight loss in people over the age of 50 years in the developed world. Some diets high in vitamins, such as vitamins C and E are thought to reduce the chances of developing severe, sight-threatening AMD although the exact role diet plays is not fully understood. AMD is an inflammatory condition and many research studies have found links between the naturally-occurring bacteria, viruses and fungi in our gut (the gut microbiome) and other common inflammatory conditions associated with aging, such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. The gut microbiome can influence and modify the body’s immune responses and may be of relevance in AMD. Therefore, the aim of this project is to explore the role of the gut microbiome in AMD which may help us better understand the disease to develop new therapies for treating this common, blinding condition.