U.S. researchers found that antioxidants disrupt a link between two processes in the retina that, in combination, contribute to macular degeneration. Antioxidants also extend the lifetime of irreplaceable photoreceptors and other retinal cells.
The “destructive synergy” that causes macular degeneration occurs when a buildup of a compound called A2E disrupts energy production in mitochondria, the “power plants” in cells, the researchers said. The lack of energy interferes with daily cleaning and maintenance of photoreceptors and another type of retinal cell. This leads to more buildup of A2E and a continuing cycle that results in the destruction of the vital visual cells that can’t be replaced.
The study was published online in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
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