Drusen is one of the early hallmark changes of AMD. The oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction caused by oxidative phospholipids (OxPLs) in drusen can lead to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell death (apoptosis, pyroptosis, etc.) and the formation of choroidal neovascularization, which is the pathogenesis of AMD. Pyroptosis, also known as inflammatory necrosis, is one of the main forms of OxPLs induced cell death. Proinflammatory factors released by pyroptic cells can in turn aggravate the inflammatory reaction, leading to further damage. In order to prevent AMD, inflammatory response and cell death may be reduced by regulating lipid metabolism, reducing OxPLs endocytosis and increasing cholesterol efflux. In-depth understanding effects of OxPLs, inflammation and RPE pyrosis in the pathogenesis of AMD in elucidate the pathogenesis of AMD and to seek new treatment measures has important clinical significance.
