Abstract

The pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a degenerative retinopathy, remains unclear. Administration of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, antioxidants, fundus lasers, photodynamic therapy, and transpupillary warming has proven effective in alleviating symptoms; however, these interventions cannot prevent or reverse AMD. Increasing evidence suggests that AMD risk is linked to changes in the composition, abundance, and diversity of the gut microbiota (GM). Activation of multiple signaling pathways by GM metabolites, including lipopolysaccharides, oxysterols, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and bile acids (BAs), influences retinal physiology. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), known for its multi-component and multi-target advantages, can help treat AMD by altering GM composition and regulating the levels of certain substances, such as lipopolysaccharides, reducing oxysterols, and increasing SCFA and BA contents. This review explores the correlation between GM and AMD and interventions for the two to provide new perspectives on treating AMD with TCM.

MeSH

Fatty Acids, Volatile, Macular Degeneration, Medicine, Chinese Traditional, Lipopolysaccharides

Cited by

• The gut-eye axis: from brain neurodegenerative diseases to age-related macular degeneration. Neural Regen Res, 2024
• Exploring the Gut Microbiota-Retina Axis: Implications for Health and Disease. Microorganisms, 2025
• Shenyuan granules improve cellular senescence through Klotho-mediated p16/p21 signaling pathway in diabetic kidney disease. Front Med (Lausanne), 2025