High C-reactive protein, high risk for AMD

Rotterdam, Netherlands-High blood levels of C-reactive protein may cause people to be at a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Blood samples and photographs of the eyes were taken of 4,900 people at risk for AMD by Dutch researchers who followed the group for an average of 7.7 years.

Results were 658 diagnosed with AMD, 561 with initial stage AMD, and 97 with advanced AMD. As the C-reactive protein level increased above midpoint of the study group, that individual was more likely to develop AMD.

"A substance that can selectively inhibit C-reactive protein synthesis has not yet been developed, to our knowledge," wrote a team member from Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam. "Smoking and high body mass index increase C-reactive protein levels. Moderate alcohol intake, diets with low glycemic index, and statin [drugs} and multivitamin use reduce C-reactive protein levels."