[Role of complement system in the pathogenesis of AMD].

Age related macular degeneration (AMD), is the leading cause of blindness in individuals over age 50 years old. The pathogenesis of AMD is still not well understood with both genetic and environmental factors known to influence susceptibility to this condition. Data accumulated in the last decade implicate the chronic inflammatory processes as playing an important role in the progression of AMD. According to the recent findings, complement system is suggested to be a triggering point of the initiation of pathologic inflammatory response in the development and clinical course of AMD.