Dual roles of different redox forms of complement factor H in protecting against age related macular degeneration

Abstract

Complement Factor H (CFH) is an important inhibitor of the alternate complement pathway in Bruch's membrane (BM), located between the choriocapillaris and the retinal pigment epithelium. Furthermore dysfunction of its activity as occurs with certain polymorphisms is associated with an increased risk of age related macular degeneration (AMD). The retina is a site of high generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dysfunction of redox homeostasis in this milieu also contributes to AMD pathogenesis. In this study we wanted to explore if CFH exists in distinct redox forms and whether these species have unique protective biological functions. CFH can be reduced by the naturally occurring thi..