The findings emerged in an investigation into the relationship between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and obesity. AMD is one of the most common neuroinflammatory diseases that causes hemorrhage and edema in the central part of the retina (macula) in the eye with aging, leading to loss of vision. It is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. occupies the top position.The onset mechanism is not known in detail, but chronic inflammation centered on innate immunity is thought to be involved, and environmental factors such as smoking and obesity are also important risk factors in addition to genetic factors.

　Severely obese patients are more likely to develop AMD.We induced AMD in ``obesity-related mice'' that had normalized body weight after becoming obese, and investigated the effects of weight loss. AMD, on the other hand, continued to deteriorate.

　As a mechanism for this, we have discovered that innate immune cells (intraperitoneal macrophages) contained in intraperitoneal adipose tissue are maintained in a state that facilitates the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors even after weight loss from obesity.This is because the lipids contained in high-fat diets loosen the chromatin structure of genes involved in inflammation and angiogenesis, making it easier to promote gene expression.In other words, once you gain weight, the "memory" of obesity that exacerbates AMD is engraved in the innate immune system, leading to AMD later in life.

　This study revealed a new link to the role of immune memory in retinal diseases and neuroinflammatory diseases, so we will aim to develop new therapeutic strategies based on interventions in immune memory. and

Paper information:[Science] Past history of obesity triggers persistent epigenetic changes in innate immunity and exacerbates neuroinflammation