"This book outlines the pathological conditions of the central retina where the macular pigment is known to have its greatest involvement in protection against photooxidative damage. The book focuses on the nature of the macular carotenoids, their transport and accumulation within the retina, and their influence on the etiology of retinal diseases. It also includes chapters that provide readers an understanding of the epidemiology and pathology of these diseases and the known factors which contribute to them"--Provided by publisher.
Presentations at the first Macular Carotenoids Conference, held at Cambridge University in July 2011, have been fleshed out and updated for this volume. The 12 studies explore the chemistry, pathobiology, visual sciences, and medical and public health import of the macular carotenoids. Among the topics are risk factors for age-related macular degeneration and their relationship with the macular carotenoids, epidemiology and aetiopathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration, clinical trials investigating the macular carotenoids, recent data on the bioavailabililty of lutein and zeaxanthin, measuring and interpreting macular carotenoids in human serum, and implications of xanthophyll-membrane interactions for age-related macular degeneration. Annotation ©2014 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
The macular carotenoids play key roles in eye health and retinal disease. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of acquired blindness in much of the world, is associated with low levels of macular pigment. Macular pigment is also essential for enhancing visual performance by reducing glare disability and improving photostress recovery. Carotenoids and Retinal Disease presents an up-to-date, thorough volume devoted to the chemistry, pathobiology, visual science, and medical and public health significance of the macular carotenoids.
With contributions from an international group of leading experts, this book covers a range of topics, from macular anatomy to clinical trials. It begins with a chapter tracing the discovery of macular pigment through the more recent functional recognition of carotenoids. The text covers AMD risk factors, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and classifications. It reviews evidence from epidemiological studies of relationships between AMD and the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, as well as evidence from clinical trials on the effects of macular carotenoid supplementation in subjects with AMD and normal subjects.
The book explores the use of molecular genetics in studying macular pigment and AMD pathogenesis; bioavailability of macular pigment; functions of lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin; and the identification of macular carotenoid binding proteins involved in pigment uptake and transport. It also covers xanthophyllmembrane interactions, and the macular carotenoids in human serum and their capacity to protect against AMD. Further, the implications of light distribution on the retina for AMD are discussed. Advancing our understanding of how the macular carotenoids enhance vision and prevent vision loss, this book provides a valuable reference for researchers and clinicians involved in the treatment and prevention of retinal disease.
